The posting
Deadline for Applications
November 18, 2026
Hardship Level
H (no hardship)
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
GS6
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General Service
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
2026-12-14
Standard Job Description
Benefits Associate
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is part of HR Staff Services (HRSS) within the Division of People Management (DPM).
The Benefits Associate will function under the direct supervision of the Assistant/Associate Benefits Officer in the Budapest GSC. As the primary focal point for all benefits-related issues for insured staff, the incumbent will provide advice and guidance to UNHCR staff and eligible dependants on all medical insurance, benefits, and related matters, and process all medical and compensation claims, incl. payments for Appendix D and other related benefits. The incumbent will be responsible for the enrolment of all eligible staff members and de-enrolment of inactive employees, and the collection of contributions as appropriate.
The Benefits Associate will work in one of the benefits teams in the Benefits Unit. The Unit administers insurance plans, processes all compensation claims, and provides efficient services within a culture of customer service and continuous business improvement, knowledge sharing and innovation.
The incumbent will be working in a discreet working environment in which various staff- and benefits-related matters will be discussed and actions initiated. The confidentiality of data and the need to deal with clients in a courteous and efficient manner are salient features of this position; the Benefits Associate commits to maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of all insured members due to the sensitive nature of their functions. The incumbent will perform his/her duties fully observing all applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Frequent contacts are insured clients and medical service providers worldwide, as well as counterparts in Medical Section, HQ Liaison and Compensation Unit, or UNSMIS, to ensure the provision of services and resolution of difficult problems. The incumbent will also liaise with Sections/Units/Offices within the Organization both at HQ and the Field as required to effectively discharge their duties.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Administer medical insurance plans for enrolled staff, strictly adhering to applicable rules and procedures and in accordance with all applicable benefits administration policies.
- Process in a timely and efficient manner medical insurance claims and compensation claims under Appendix D, damage to / loss of personal effects, and the Malicious Acts Insurance Policy.
- Act as a focal point to provide accurate information to enrolled staff on benefits-related rules & regulations, procedures, reimbursable benefits, membership, the status of claims, etc., give advice, and ensure administrative support as required.
- Maintain an appropriate filing system for all benefits-related documents.
- Settle clinic and other third-party invoices, as appropriate, to medical service providers.
- Issue letters of guarantee of payment to hospitals for staff members and dependants as appropriate.
- Issue travel authorization for staff members proceeding on Medical Evacuation.
- Dispatch medical reports to the Medical Service.
- Conduct impromptu visits to hospitals, where applicable, to verify the authenticity of claims.
- Seek clarification discreetly on medical bills that appear fraudulent or unclear.
- Consult relevant units and management on matters that require additional information and guidance.
- Propose improvements to the work of the Benefits team/Unit.
- Facilitate periodic client satisfaction surveys.
- Participate in Outreach and Duty of Care related activities as required.
- Replace absent colleagues based on the distribution of tasks established within the team.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration; Office Management; Human Resources Management
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Previous job experience relevant to the function or in a related field. Refined expertise in utilizing Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Desirable
Operational knowledge of Workday and medical insurance claim processing systems. Knowledge of administering insurance schemes. Proficiency in French.
Functional Skills
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
IT-MS Office Applications
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Managing Resource
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning & Organizing
Political Awareness
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong combination of relevant professional experience, technical knowledge, analytical capabilities, and a service-oriented approach.
Essential Requirements • Demonstrated professional experience in the administration and management of staff entitlements and benefits, preferably within the United Nations system or a comparable international organization. • Proven experience in assessing eligibility and determining entitlements in the areas of human resources, employee benefits, or health insurance. • Sound knowledge and understanding of UN human resources policies, rules and procedures and/or health insurance administration and management frameworks. • A strong command of English and Arabic is mandatory.
Desirable Requirements • Experience in using case management, workflow management, or ticketing systems to manage requests, track cases, and ensure timely resolution. • Ability to interpret and consistently apply policies, rules, regulations, and procedures to assess eligibility and determine entitlement to benefits and reimbursements. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to assess complex cases while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory and policy frameworks. • Exceptional attention to detail, coupled with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset and a strong commitment to accuracy, service quality, confidentiality, and accountability. • Proficiency in business applications and digital collaboration tools, particularly Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and Excel, with the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and technology-enabled workflows. • Knowledge of other languages, whether UN or non-UN, is desirable to facilitate the administration of the MIP claims of local staff or contacting local service providers.
Assessment • Applicants may be required to sit for a written test as part of the selection process.
Additional information: Candidates are expected to be legally present in the country and have the right to work in Hungary at the time of their recruitment. UNHCR does not facilitate obtaining a visa for recruitment purposes. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher. NOTE: A completed and relevant minimum first level university degree (equivalent to BA or higher) shall count in full (100%) towards the required years of work experience. Priority will be given to eligible applicants meeting the full requirements.
Remuneration: In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. G6 - Salary range: NET 900,355.7 HUF - NET 1,054,414.1 HUF.
Benefits: Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year). Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in Budapest will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP). The coverage is also optionally available for eligible family members.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
English
,
Arabic
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
This position is part of the Health Insurance Support Unit of the DPM Health Insurance Section in Budapest, Hungary. It will contribute to the ongoing centralization of Medical Insurance Plan (MIP) claims processing, supporting the transfer of claims-processing functions from UNHCR Country Offices to the Budapest Headquarters.
The Unit's core responsibilities include claims adjudication, management of member and provider queries, cost-of-care analysis, fraud detection and review, and inter-agency coordination and engagement.
The successful candidate will report directly to an Associate Benefits Officer.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Education
Certifications
Business Administration - Other, Human Resources Management - Other, Office Management - Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
