Advisor, Staff Benefits

Pan American Health Organization•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

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. They will analyze and interpret changes in international civil service regulations and U.S. tax laws, advising staff and management on their implications. The role involves overseeing payroll, pension, tax, and staff health insurance operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of entitlements. The Advisor will also 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, and analyze the financial performance of staff health insurance and benefit funds, providing recommendations to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the Advisor will lead, supervise, and develop staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and service-oriented work environment.

Requirements

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.
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.
Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.