Benefits Assistant

The Benefits Assistant supports the Pension Entitlements Section by processing pension entitlements and providing information to participants and retirees. The role involves administrative tasks such as screening communications, calculating benefits, maintaining pension files, and assisting with eligibility determinations under the guidance of senior staff.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A 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.
• English is required at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Skills

• Employee Benefits Administration
• Pension Administration
• Data Analytics
• Integrated Pension Accounting System
• ERP Systems
• Project Management
• Pension Entitlement Processing
• Eligibility Determination
• File Maintenance
• Communication Screening

Languages

English