Senior Benefits Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Compensation Section of the Financial Risk Management Service, which is part of the Finance Division of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). This department is responsible for overseeing financial management and ensuring compliance with the United Nations' policies and regulations. The organization aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN's financial operations, ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and transparently. The UN operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards various global goals and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Benefits Assistant plays a crucial role in managing and resolving claims related to employee benefits, specifically under the Appendix D to the Staff Rules and the ST/AI/149/Rev.4/Ammend.

• This position requires a deep understanding of the claims process and the ability to handle complex issues that arise in the context of workers' compensation and related benefits. The Senior Benefits Assistant will be responsible for reviewing claims, preparing presentations for the Advisory Board on Compensation Claims (ABCC), and ensuring that all claims are processed efficiently and accurately. The role also involves monitoring expenditures in the Umoja system, which is the UN's enterprise resource planning system, and ensuring that the budget for compensation claims is managed effectively. The position requires strong analytical skills to compile actuarial and statistical information, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with claimants and other stakeholders. The Senior Benefits Assistant will also be responsible for training new staff and maintaining relationships with personnel officers across UN offices, ensuring that all inquiries are handled promptly and accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Benefits Assistant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: serving as the focal point for complex claims issues, making recommendations to senior officers, reviewing claims and drafting correspondence, preparing presentations for the ABCC and UNCB, calculating benefit award amounts, coordinating payments, determining budget estimates, monitoring expenditures in Umoja, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided to staff members, assigning claims to Benefits Assistants, training new staff, maintaining a claims database, assisting with data analysis and presentations, and performing other duties as required. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards of professionalism and client service.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of ten years of experience in workers' compensation or a related area is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to eight years. Experience in interpreting and applying UN Staff entitlements related to death, injury, disability, and loss of personnel effects is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of employee benefit schemes and accounting processes, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Professionalism, communication skills, and client orientation are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in workers' compensation or a related field. This experience should include a strong understanding of claims processing and the ability to navigate complex issues related to employee benefits. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with eight years of experience, highlighting the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, tailoring their language and style to suit the audience and context.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by extrabudgetary funds and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to creating a respectful and equitable work environment. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and the organizational needs of the UN, and all employment decisions will be made in accordance with the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.