Associate Benefits Officer

The post is located in the Medical Insurance Section, Financial Resources Management Service (FRMS), Division of Administration, United Nations Office at Geneva. The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Chief, Medical Insurance.

Under the supervision of the Chief, Medical Insurance Section, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Supervises the Administrative Unit and actively manages the performance of general service staff;
• Plans staff resources, in consultation with the supervisor, to ensure uninterrupted client and support services provision and business continuity at all times;
• Provides first-hand services to clients and colleagues on all questions related to medical insurance operations, for example membership, reimbursements, documentation, accounting, financial reporting, interpretation of rules and procedures;
• Assists in responding to complex client and colleagues’ queries;
• Compiles monthly statistics and reports;
• In consultation with the supervisor, recommends proposals for process improvements in the provision of medical insurance services to clients, including support operations;
• Acts as focal point for the operation and improvement of IT applications used for the medical insurance including the accounting and financial reporting support operations;
• Prepares presentations and regular communications;
• Follows up on regular client satisfaction surveys and implements improvements
• Provides support in the organization of trainings on medical insurance systems and tools for all UNSMIS' staff;
• Assists with the management of contractual services purchased by UNSMIS;
• Reviews, approves, reconciles and processes a range of transactions on a regular and recurring basis
• Assists in ensuring that the medical insurance accounting and financial reporting is complete and accurate and that internal controls are functioning and relevant records are maintained.
• Performs any other duties as required.

Professionalism: Knowledge of administrative, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Knowledge of general insurance principles and risk management and of ERP systems. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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.

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.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, human resources, insurance, accounting or related area is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Certification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accounting (CA) or equivalent is desirable. A first-level or advanced university degree in insurance is desirable.

A minimum two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, accounting, human resources, insurance or related field is required. At least one (1) year of experience with ERP systems, such as SAP, is desirable. At least one (1) year of experience in the United Nations Commons System or similar international organization is desirable. At least one (1) year of experience in financial audit is desirable. At least one (1) year of experience with preparing or reviewing IPSAS financial reports is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.