Location: Head Office, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12
Administration
Salary: Admin Grade 4 with a Salary Scale of €51,648 to €71,939
Closing Date: 11/11/2024 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Permanent. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Basic Function:
The Pensions Specialist will be an expert in the operation of pension schemes and management of schemes particularly in a public sector context. They will be required to deliver and lead the day to day operation and development of the Teagasc pension programme. They will provide expertise to the organisation on legislative and compliance requirements in the area of pensions. The role involves communicating and collaborating at all levels within Teagasc, with former staff, retirees, bereaved family members and external stakeholders. The Pensions Specialist will be expected to contribute as part of the HR team to the achievement of the overall HR Department Business Plan.
Background:
The Teagasc Pensions Programme involves the delivery of pension services to approximately 1,550 serving staff. Currently, 1,760 retirees, spouses/children are in receipt of Teagasc pensions. The Pensions Unit is supported through external pension consultancy services.
Benefits Package:
* Starting salary of €51,648 with annual incremental progression up the scale to a max of €71,939
* Defined benefit pension scheme
* Agile working programme including possibility of home working up to two days per week
* Staff development and further education support
* Flexible working/unpaid leave schemes
* Paid sick leave scheme
* At our headquarters in Oak Park, Carlow we have an excellent subsidised staff restaurant and free parking.
Job Objectives
* Manage and develop the Pensions team (currently 1 other staff member)
* Be the recognised Teagasc Pensions Specialist providing advice and guidance to Teagasc staff and retirees on the Teagasc Superannuation and the Single Public Service Scheme (SPS)
* Manage all aspects of the day to day operation and administration of the pre-existing Superannuation Schemes operated by Teagasc and the Single Public Service Pension Scheme
* Be responsible for delivery of high quality, accurate and timely information to new, existing and former staff members, retirees or bereaved family members in relation the full suite of Superannuation services:
o Retirement benefits cost neutral, ill health and early retirements
o Death in Service benefits
o Family Law benefits and PAO requirements
o Notional Service Scheme
o Transferring previous benefits/reckoning previous service
o Administration of Annual Pensions Declaration forms
o Annual Pension Statements, leavers and refunds
o Reporting and Uploading of SPS information to D/PER data bank
* Review, seek clarification and advise on complex pension queries.
* Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to scheme members, DAFM, DPER, Teagasc Pensions Consultant, CORE PeopleXD
* Monitor and check day to day pension payments within Teagasc and ensure their accuracy and adherence to relevant pension schemes and other arrangements at all times
* Develop a staff communications plan to increase understanding of pension benefits, including delivery pension presentations at staff meetings.
* Design content and publish a retiree newsletter and other staff communications on pension topics
* In conjunction with the HR Pay and Pensions Manager :
o Assist with the compilation of all reporting requirements including audit requirements in the administration of pensions including, pension increases/decreases, FRS17 and any changes resulting from FEMPI, Pension Aggregation, Pension Abatement, etc., thus ensuring compliance by Teagasc at all times.
o Drive a collaborative approach, with the HR Recruitment and Finance Payroll Teams to establish robust pension processes and practices.
* Contribute and support a review to improve the pension service delivery model in the context of LEAN
* Proactively lead the further implementation of the Core Pensions Module
* Implement technology solutions to ensure compliance and efficiencies
* Review systems policies and procedures on an ongoing basis to deliver a quality pension service
* Create and maintain databases and filing systems as required
* Assist with the interpretation, analysis and implementation of new pensions legislation and or Government policy circulars
* Assist in the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the pensions
o Manage the provision of pension services by external service providers
o Perform regular reviews of Voluntary Group Schemes and drive improvements
* Participate in committees and pensions forums as appropriate
* Responsible for co-operating with provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
* To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
* To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
* Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time
* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.
Skills Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* A level 8 degree, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications) in business or a relevant discipline.
* Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in Public Sector pension scheme administration
Skills/Knowledge
* An understanding of the public sector and, in particular, Public Sector Pension Schemes and legislation.
* Track record in delivering services to large client volumes.
* Results oriented with strong attention to detail.
* Effective communication skills with a strong ability to consult and collaborate in a clear, concise and persuasive manner at all levels across the organisation.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to organize information and processes in keeping with requirements.
* Able to think strategically and contribute to the strategic business agenda.
* Strong proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
* Proficient in the use of Core People XD/ Core Pensions Module or similar HRIS programme.
* Excellent administration, organisational Project Management, and time management skills.
* Familiarity CoreBI/Insights Reporting or other HRIS reporting tool.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work on own initiative and to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
* Self-disciplined, organised, methodical and flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
* Strong operational decision-making capacity.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge transfer and an ability to set clear standards and to take a quality customer service approach to work.
* A proactive, solutions approach to work.
* Solid commitment to meeting the needs of internal and external customers
* A commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
Other
* A commitment to on-going personal & professional development
* As the appointee may be required to travel to carry out the duties of this role, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr