BENEFITS ASSISTANT, New York City

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide retirement, death, disability, and related benefits for staff of the United Nations and other member organizations of the Fund. UNJSPF administers benefits of more than 90,000 beneficiaries residing in more than 190 countries, paid in 18 currencies, and services more than 130,000 participants who work in the 25 member organizations of UNJSPF. The Fund has offices in New York (United States) and Geneva (Switzerland) and two liaison offices in Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand), respectively. The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund-Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA) comprises about 282 staff from diverse countries and cultures, based across four prominent duty stations (New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Nairobi). We are a career employer offering unique opportunities for growth within the United Nations system. Our office is located in the heart of Manhattan, within walking distance from the Grand Central Station hub, in a state-of-the-art facility (the One Dag Hammarskjöld building). Visit for more details. This temporary position is based in New York and is located in the Pension Entitlements Section (PES) within the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund-Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA). The Pension Entitlements Section is responsible for calculating and processing pension entitlements and for ensuring that all eligible participants, retirees and other beneficiaries are serviced in accordance with the Regulations, Rules and Pension Adjustment System of the Fund. The Benefits Assistant will report to a Benefits Officer and/or the Chief of Section. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Benefits Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Screen and sort all incoming communications and forward to appropriate team/individual. • Provide information to individual participants and retirees/beneficiaries as well as administrative staff of member organizations of the Pension Fund with respect to participation, entitlements and benefits, including validation, restoration and all benefit options available. • Draft routine correspondence and respond to telephone enquiries in connection with pension enquiries. • Undertake necessary research in order to provide accurate information ensuring response conforms to the provisions of the Regulations and Rules of the Pension Fund, and contact appropriate member organizations to resolve issues. • Assist in the determination of eligibility and enrol new entrants. • Monitor and record all changes of status, e.g., family history, change in employment situations. • Originate and update pension files from enrolment to separation ensuring that all relevant documentation has been received. • Initiate other administrative actions or procedures required by changes in the status of individuals or in the pension plan. • Calculate estimates of future benefit options as well as estimates under the Pension Adjustment System. • Calculate withdrawal/residual settlements, transfer of pension rights and all types of periodic pension benefits, such as retirement, early retirement, disability, deferred retirement, survivors and related benefits, including the application of the Pension Adjustment System. • Review documentation required for proof of residence and changes in country of residence to determine eligibility and effective date. • Review Certificate of Entitlement signatures to ensure continued eligibility for pension benefits. • Participate in the standardization of procedures and texts for communications originated by the Section. • Participate in training activities related to the Section’s work, including the preparation of drafts and training material; compilation of relevant information; and provision of training to individuals outside the Section. • Perform other related duties, as assigned. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Payroll and Finance Officers, Human Resources Officers, active participants, retirees, beneficiaries and administrative staff of member organizations of the UNJSPF. Results Expected: Under the guidance of a Senior Benefits Assistant or a junior professional and the Chief of Section, processes work and related follow-up in an efficient and timely manner. Addresses unforeseen situations, seeking advice from and/or reporting to the supervisor, as applicable. Advises participants (active and retired) adequately on various pension rules and procedures. Depending on the location of the position, the incumbent is expected to perform a variety of pension functions, ensuring completeness and accuracy of all required data for Fund enrolment and maintenance of pension records; establishing amounts of UNJSPF benefits payable and recalculating existing benefits upon death of beneficiary or change of country of residence. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the UNSJPF Regulations and Rules and Pension Adjustment System and related procedures. Knowledge of various employee benefit schemes related to pension. Knowledge of accounting processes and procedures applicable to the administration of employee benefit schemes. Ability to maintain accurate records, interpret and analyze a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and other problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of experience in employee benefits administration or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) years of experience for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in the United Nations common system is desirable. Experience in administration of pensions is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in Integrated Pension Administration System (IPAS) or a similar ERP system is desirable. Experience in project management is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).