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. The UNJSPF pays benefits in 18 currencies to more than 80,000 beneficiaries who reside in 190 countries, and services more than 150,000 participants who work in the 25 member organizations of the 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 250 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. We offer staff competitive benefits, including up to six weeks of annual leave per year, a defined benefit pension plan (not subject to variation of capital markets), parental leave, a comprehensive insurance plan, and flexible working arrangements subject to operational requirements. 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 position is located in the Client Services Unit, within the Pension Administration of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Client Services Unit, who reports to the Chief of the Section. The Client Services Unit provides services to the clients of the UNJSPF, advising them on participation, separation and benefit related issues and the correct application of the Fund's Regulations and Rules and the Pension Adjustment System. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbents will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides information to individual participants and retirees/beneficiaries of the Pension Fund on participation, entitlements and benefits, including validation, restoration, transfer of pension rights and other benefit options available to Pension Fund participants. • Provides routine information to individual participants and retirees/beneficiaries as well as administrative staff of member organizations of the Pension Fund, as required. • Drafts routine correspondence and responds to emails in connection with pension enquiries. • Reviewing documentation required for proof of residence and changes of country of residence to determine eligibility and effective date. • Reviewing and processing Certificate of Entitlements (CE) related workflows. • Undertakes follow-up with participants, beneficiaries and member Organizations for documents required to process benefits. • Originates and updates pension files from enrolment to separation ensuring that all relevant documentation has been received. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Screens and sorts incoming communications and forwards to appropriate team/individual • Performing other duties as may be required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. 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. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits/entitlements administration or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 1 for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Client services experience is desirable. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).