BENEFITS ASSISTANT

Organizational Context

The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) administers benefits for over 90,000 beneficiaries globally, serving more than 130,000 participants across 25 member organizations. The Pension Administration division, with staff in New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Nairobi, provides essential services. This temporary Benefits Assistant role is within the Pension Entitlements Section in New York, reporting to a Benefits Officer or Chief of Section.

Job Purpose

The Benefits Assistant plays a crucial role in the Pension Entitlements Section of the UNJSPF-PA, ensuring timely and accurate processing of pension entitlements for participants, retirees, and beneficiaries. This involves providing information on benefits, validating eligibility, and managing pension files from enrollment to separation. The role requires calculating various benefit types, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, and applying the Pension Adjustment System. The assistant will also handle routine correspondence, research pension-related queries, and assist in determining eligibility and enrolling new members. This position supports the section's objective of servicing all eligible individuals in accordance with UNJSPF Regulations, Rules, and the Pension Adjustment System, contributing to the overall efficient operation of the Fund.

Responsibilities

Screen and sort incoming communications, forwarding them to the appropriate team or individual. Provide comprehensive information to participants, retirees, beneficiaries, and member organization staff regarding pension participation, entitlements, and available benefit options. Draft routine correspondence and respond to telephone inquiries concerning pension matters. Conduct necessary research to ensure accurate responses align with UNJSPF Regulations and Rules, liaising with member organizations to resolve issues. Assist in determining eligibility and enrolling new participants. Monitor and record changes in participant status, such as employment situations and family history. Maintain and update pension files from enrollment through separation, ensuring all required documentation is received. Initiate administrative actions related to changes in individual status or pension plan provisions. Calculate estimates for future benefit options and under the Pension Adjustment System. Process withdrawal settlements, transfer of pension rights, and various periodic pension benefits (retirement, disability, survivor, etc.). Review documentation for proof of residence and changes in country of residence to determine eligibility and effective dates. Verify Certificate of Entitlement signatures for continued eligibility. Participate in standardizing section procedures and communication texts. Contribute to training activities by preparing materials and providing instruction. Perform other related duties as assigned, interacting frequently with payroll, finance, HR officers, active participants, retirees, beneficiaries, and member organization staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in employee benefits administration or a related field is required. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience in the UN common system, pension administration, data analytics, ERP systems (like IPAS), or project management is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, knowledge of UNJSPF Regulations and Rules, Pension Adjustment System, employee benefit schemes, accounting processes, data analysis, record maintenance, problem-solving, communication, and time management.

Explore related opportunities