US Benefits Specialist

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

As our global environmental research organization has grown rapidly, our HR team growth has mirrored this change. Our US HR team of 5 supports over 700 WRI employees. Operating within the Global HR team in close partnership with our Centers of Excellence, the US team manages all aspect of HR for our employees around the country. As part of the US HR team, you will report to the US Benefits Manager and manage the daily administration and implementation of US Benefits.

Job Highlight:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

Reporting to the US Benefits Manager, you will deliver and administer benefits for the WRI US office. These benefits include health, death, disability, pension, wellbeing and time off benefits. You will be the first point of contact for staff queries and coordination with benefits vendors for all US benefits program. The benefits team works with the payroll team to ensure that the bi-weekly payroll is delivered accurately.

What will you do:

Benefits Planning, Design and Development (5%):

• Support the benefits manager in the design and development of any new benefit programs for the US office by providing market research, data analysis and any other information

Benefits Administration and Compliance (40%): -

Responsible for administration of all benefits plans which includes:

• Process benefits and personnel action enrolments for new hires, terminations, change requests, leave requests, status request, sabbatical and other requests
• Add and process new employee information in all benefits systems as well as maintain and update all personnel digital files and forms
• Update HRIS database (ADP) as needed to ensure staff enrolments and changes in all benefit plans (medical, dental, Life, AD&D, STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Dependent Care, pension and any other benefits) are accurate.
• Generate reports from database as necessary
• Leave Administration: Manage Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD), DC Paid Leave (DCPA), Maternity and Paternity Leave Program and other programs
• Process invoices from benefits vendors, reconcile and audit monthly insurance invoices and deduction reports, and resolve billing, cancellations or change to coverages and HSA transmittals
• Manage the WRI Open Enrolment process
• Support the benefits manager in all compliance activities for US benefit plans, including regulatory filings, reporting updates, and audits
• Ensure that the required inputs are provided on a bi-weekly basis to ensure payroll processes
• Ensure all benefits related mail (delivered to WRI DC office) is attended to on a regular basis

Vendor Management (20%): -

• Ensure all data is submitted on various vendor portals as needed
• Ensure regular meetings with each vendor/ provider to ensure all employee queries are managed efficiently
• Process invoices from benefits vendors, reconcile and audit monthly insurance invoices and deduction reports, and resolve billing, cancellations or change to coverages and HSA transmittals

Communication and Employee Support (25%): -

• Respond to daily employee inquiries, which often involves advisement, troubleshooting, and benefit claims assistance
• Serve as the main point of contact for benefits-related queries and escalations
• Manage the benefits mail box and respond to all employee queries within a reasonable amount of time
• Respond to payroll and accounting teams on any data requirements within a reasonable time

Other Duties (10%):

• Contribute to global projects and WORKDAY implementation for the US office
• Support Benefits & Compensation Director with US benefits budget
• Support the Global Director of Benefits and Compensation in creating our minimum benefits strategy in all countries in which we work

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent work experience
• Experience: You have a minimum of 4 years of work experience with at least 3 years in employee benefits administration
• Extensive knowledge of US benefits in multiple US states and established network of support vendors
• Proficiency in HR information systems, Microsoft Office, and SharePoint. Workday is preferred
• Knowledge of US labour laws relating to employee benefits
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; Strong interest in working with diverse employees with high expectations across all levels and functions
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with numbers with an interest in process improvements
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work independently
• Ability to exhibit discretion in handling confidential information
• Languages: Verbal and written English proficiency
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 69,000 and 78,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 26 November 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.