Pension Officer

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

External

13-06-2024

Grade 6

Job Category:

Professional

Fixed-term

CHF89,334.00

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Pension Officer in the Finance and Corporate Services Division.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Secretary of the Pension Plan, the incumbent will primarily participate in the management of the WTOPP operations, carry out quantitative analysis on actuarial matters and for financial reporting purposes among others. They will also provide research services and expert advice to the WTOPP Management Board on selected topics. He/she will have the following responsibilities:

1.       Prepare, validate, and analyse data as inputs for, among other purposes, WTOPP annual reports, financial statements, actuarial valuations, and to support daily operations related to participant contributions and beneficiary entitlements and payments.

2.       Coordinate the preparation of WTOPP annual reports and financial statements, including

• ensure communication of information between the WTOPP banks and funds, investment advisor, accountant, consulting actuary, and the WTOPP external auditors
• ensure compliance with international accounting standards and actuarial good practices, and document deviations and specificities as applicable
• coordinate the preparation of reports as WTO formal documents to WTO governing bodies.

3.       Support the organization of WTOPP Management Board meetings, including the preparation of background notes and presentations.

4.       Review and optimize processes for the management of day-to-day operations, such as benefit administration, stakeholder requests, and coordination with other units.

5.       Participate in managing selected WTOPP outsourced services including the organization of, and support for, procurement exercises, and by monitoring level of service received from providers once relationships have been established.

6.       Participate in the implementation of the WTOPP investment strategy, including through monitoring the WTOPP portfolio allocation, preparing investment operations with fund managers, co-ordinating cash movements, and providing administrative documentation as required by fund managers (such as coordinating contract document preparation and review or in the context of complying with anti-money laundering regulations).

7.       Coordinate or support other related projects as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Actuarial Science, or another related field.

Technical Skills:

Expertise in pension or other benefits administration will be a strong advantage.

Good level of understanding of key areas related to pension administration.

Advanced skills of computing and office applications, especially spreadsheet and word processing applications.

Ability to compile, understand and analyse complex data sets to produce accurate and clear financial and management reporting, and apply mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk.

Excellent drafting skills.

Behavioural Skills:

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks according to time constraints.

A high level of integrity, and a strong client service-oriented mindset.

Capacity to handle conflict situations and persuade others.

Ability to work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve objectives.

Excellent communication and relationship building skills.

Work Experience:

At least two years of experience in a relevant function.

Experience with a defined benefit pension plan in international or public sector organizations will be a strong advantage.

Languages:

Fluency in English and French, both oral and written. Knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.