Advisor, Staff Benefits

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Staff Benefits

• Join us and play a key role in strengthening staff benefits and financial well‑being at PAHO

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly analytical, strategic, and service‑oriented Advisor, Staff Benefits to provide leadership and expert guidance in the administration of staff benefits, payroll, pensions, taxation, and health insurance systems.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Financial Resources Management, and the direct supervision of the Treasurer, Financial Resources Management (FRM), the selected candidate will:

• Provide strategic oversight and policy advice on the administration of staff benefits, ensuring compliance with PAHO, WHO, and UN system rules and regulations.
• Analyze and interpret changes in international civil service regulations and U.S. tax laws, advising staff and management on their implications.
• Oversee payroll, pension, tax, and staff health insurance operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of entitlements.
• Evaluate and enhance systems, procedures, and ERP solutions supporting benefit administration and financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with third‑party administrators, health insurance providers, and external partners, including participation in contract tendering and performance evaluations.
• Analyze financial performance of staff health insurance and benefit funds, providing recommendations to ensure sustainability and cost‑effectiveness.
• Lead, supervise, and develop staff, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing, and service‑oriented work environment.

For a complete list of functions, please refer to the post description.

What is required for this position?

Education

A university degree in finance, accounting or related field, and master’s degree in finance, accounting or in any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

Experience

Nine years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in finance and/or accounting positions involving the management and administration of employee salary and benefit programs. Experience should include the application of financial rules and regulations, procedures, and practices.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office and Power BI or similar database management/reporting tools are considered essential, particularly with regard to financial, accounting, and/or administrative operations.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Strong knowledge of finance, accounting, and staff benefit administration within international or public sector organizations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex rules, regulations, and policies related to payroll, pensions, taxation, and health insurance.
• Advanced analytical skills to assess financial performance, trends, and risks related to benefit programs.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial management information systems.
• Proven leadership and people‑management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and benefit matters clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in a multicultural environment.

Duration of Contract

Post of limited duration for one year. First year probationary period.

DISCLAIMER 

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level. 

• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post. 

• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. 

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO, considers official higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases: 

                - World Higher Education Database (WHED), list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

                   The list can be assessed through the link: http://whed.net/

                - Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

                 - College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, nces.gov to support the validation process. 

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO is committed to: 

• PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: pahorecruitment@paho.org

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

• Promoting a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of misconduct.  

• Providing a smoke-free environment. 

• Protecting the people in the communities we serve.  Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution. 

Additional Information

PAHO/WHO offers:

• Telework available to support work-life balance. 

• An attractive compensation package that includes:  

                 - Dependency benefits  

                 - 30 days annual leave 

                 - Parental and sick leave 

                 - A defined benefit (DB) pension plan 

                 - International health insurance
                   coverage 

Other benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal of expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, settling-in grant and rental subsidy.

International posts with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the Americas Region