Benefits Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) provides retirement, death, and disability benefits to UN staff and other member organizations. UNJSPF-Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA) has approximately 282 staff across four duty stations. This Benefits Assistant position is based in New York within the Pension Entitlements Section, responsible for calculating and processing pension entitlements for participants, retirees, and beneficiaries.
Job Purpose
The Benefits Assistant plays a crucial role in the Pension Entitlements Section of the UNJSPF-PA. This position is responsible for providing essential information and administrative support regarding pension participation, entitlements, and benefits to participants, retirees, beneficiaries, and member organizations. The role involves screening communications, responding to inquiries, conducting research to ensure compliance with UNJSPF regulations, and maintaining accurate records. Key functions include assisting with eligibility determination, enrolling new members, processing status changes, updating pension files, and calculating various benefit options and estimates under the Pension Adjustment System. The Benefits Assistant also contributes to data analysis, report preparation, and the standardization of communication procedures, ensuring efficient and accurate service delivery.
Responsibilities
Screen and sort incoming communications, forwarding them to the appropriate individuals or teams. Provide information on participation, entitlements, and benefits to participants, retirees, beneficiaries, and administrative staff, including validation and restoration processes. Draft routine correspondence and respond to telephone inquiries regarding pension matters. Conduct necessary research to ensure responses align with UNJSPF rules and regulations, liaising with member organizations to resolve issues. Assist in determining eligibility and enrolling new participants. Monitor and record changes in participants' status, such as family history or employment situations. Maintain and update pension files from enrollment through separation, ensuring all documentation is complete. Initiate administrative actions related to changes in individual status or the pension plan. 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 confirm eligibility. Verify Certificate of Entitlement signatures for ongoing eligibility. Participate in standardizing communication procedures and training activities for the section.
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 or higher. One year or more of experience in data analytics is desirable. Experience within the UN Common System or with an ERP system like IPAS is also desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, Data analysis, Record keeping, Communication, Research, Pension administration knowledge, Knowledge of UNJSPF Regulations and Rules, Knowledge of Pension Adjustment System.