Urban Finance Consultant

Result of Service

Ultimate result of service The ultimate result of this service is to contribute to the development of an SDG Voluntary Local Review for Moscow. Under the supervision of Head of the UN-Habitat Country Office in the Russian Federation, the consultant will contribute to the following key outcomes: i. Approved VLR Structure and Methodological Framework The service will result in a clearly defined and formally approved VLR structure and chapter outline that aligns with UN-Habitat methodologies, the SDG Cities Assessment framework, and Moscow’s data context. This ensures a coherent and internationally consistent foundation for the VLR. ii. Comprehensive SDG-Aligned Data System A structured, bilingual Data Report will be produced, consolidating information from various sources and aligning it with SDG indicators and the Global Urban Monitoring Framework. This will provide a reliable, evidence-based baseline for assessing Moscow’s SDG progress. iii. Evidence-Based Policy and Baseline Analysis Through a detailed review of Moscow’s policies and strategies, the work will establish a clear understanding of how existing frameworks contribute to SDG implementation, while identifying gaps and priority areas for improvement. iv. Stakeholder-Validated SDG Insights SDG Discussion Papers will synthesize key findings and guide stakeholder engagement, ensuring that diverse perspectives, including financial dimensions, are captured and reflected in the VLR, strengthening its relevance and ownership. v. Integrated Spatial and Analytical Outputs The assignment will define and integrate GIS mapping components that enhance the spatial dimension of SDG analysis, enabling better visualization and understanding of urban development patterns and challenges. vi. High-Quality Drafted and Validated VLR A comprehensive VLR will be developed, incorporating data analysis, stakeholder input, and spatial evidence, and presenting SDG progress alongside actionable recommendations. The document will undergo thorough review and validation by the Moscow Government Task Force. vii. Publication-Ready, Professionally Presented VLR The finalized VLR will be translated, edited, and designed to meet international standards, resulting in a polished, publication-ready report suitable for both national and global audiences. viii. Strengthened Institutional Capacity The process will enhance the capacity of local authorities to manage SDG data, conduct integrated planning, and apply effective governance approaches for SDG localization, supporting long-term sustainability. ix. Successful VLR Launch and Global Dissemination The work will contribute to a successful VLR launch and international dissemination by providing technical inputs and presentation materials, positioning Moscow as an active contributor to global SDG dialogue. x. Long-Term Impact Ultimately, the service will support the establishment of a sustainable and replicable model for SDG localization in Moscow, reinforcing its alignment with the 2030 Agenda and strengthening its ability to monitor and advance urban development outcomes over time.

Work Location

Moscow

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this consultancy is support the development of an Action-oriented of Moscow’s progress towards the SDGs to inform prioritization, decision-making and resource allocation. Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Based in Nairobi (Kenya), it is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the United Nations system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and the UN leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. During the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2015, 193 Member States, convened at the Global Summit on Sustainable Development to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are universal and relevant to all Member States, from both the Global North and Global South. As demonstrated in the past years of implementation, it is widely acknowledged that the local level and local action are critical for the overall success of the 2030 Agenda – the SDGs need to be localized. In addition, during the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, the Brazil-promoted Resolution on Localizing the SDGs received wide consensus and was co-sponsored by twelve other countries. Through the resolution, Member States further mandated UN-Habitat to strengthen the capacities of local and national governments on SDG data, reporting and integrated planning as well as on multilevel governance approaches for SDG localization. UN-Habitat is the United Nations focal point for work with local and regional governments and the custodian of the New Urban Agenda and has been at the forefront of SDG Localization since the very endorsement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Most recently, UN-Habitat has been mandated to co-chair the Local2030 Coalition, the UN-System initiative on localizing Agenda 2030. The operational work of UN-Habitat to support SDG Localization aims to contribute to the Local2030 Coalition mandate, network and actions. UN-Habitat's global footprint on SDG localization exceeds 30 countries, working through the United Nations system and in cooperation with the main United Nations and international partners, through its corporate offering and global portfolio on SDG Localization, including the SDG Cities Global Initiative (Flagship 5). The SDG Cities Initiative supports cities in creating integrated solutions that drive progress across multiple SDGs, ensuring cohesive and scalable urban development addressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It does so by leveraging the potential of data for evidence-based decision-making, fostering cities’ access to finance, while building their overall institutional capacities. Within this framework, UN-Habitat, through its Regional Office for Eastern and Central Asia (ROEECA) and the Country Office in the Russian Federation, is implementing a project to support the City of Moscow in the development of its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR). The Moscow VLR is part of the broader UN-Habitat SDG Cities Flagship Programme and draws on the Action-Oriented VLR Methodology jointly developed by UN-Habitat and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). The VLR process will enable Moscow to assess its progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), align city reporting with a national Voluntary National Review (VNR), and produce actionable recommendations to guide urban planning and financing decisions towards 2030. The process also involves building the capacity of the Moscow Government Task Force, engaging multiple stakeholder groups, and delivering a high-quality, bilingual (Russian/English) VLR publication for international dissemination. The Urban Finance Consultant will be hired to collaborate closely with the Team Lead on Finance and Economy Section, PFES at UN-Habitat HQ and the Lead VLR Consultant in Moscow to contribute to quality and content of the Moscow VLR’s financial dimension. Reporting Line: This post is located within UN-Habitat in Moscow, and the consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, based in Moscow. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the Finance and Economy team, Planning, Finance and Economy Section (PFES), and ROEECA. He/she will be in direct engagement with the Moscow Government Task Force, its working groups, relevant departments and stakeholders. Responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for the following specific duties: i. Capital Infrastructure Stocktaking & Budget Tagging: Conduct a thorough review of Moscow’s ii. public finance registry to compile and systematically classify capital infrastructure investments executed over the last three (3) financial years. ii. Spatial Finance Integration & Geo-Referencing: Coordinate with relevant municipal departments to identify the precise geographical locations of major capital assets. Structure this financial data into a clean, geo-referenced spatial matrix to enable thematic mapping. iii. Financial Heatmap Modeling & Gap Assessment: Analyze expenditure concentrations to identify priority spatial patterns, infrastructure delivery mechanisms (including Public-Private Partnerships and green financing tools), and existing financing gaps relative to SDG implementation targets. iv. Drafting and Stakeholder Validation Support: Prepare high-quality technical inputs, graphs, tables, and narrative texts for the financial sections of the VLR and its background SDG Discussion Papers. Refine all data layers based on feedback from UN-Habitat review teams and Government counterparts.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Political Science, Development Studies or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong technical expertise in municipal finance, public finance, and infrastructure projects, alongside demonstrated experience in SDG budgeting and spatial data analysis. The candidate must speak fluent Russian and have prior experience working to effectively collaborate with relevant departments, access financial data, and engage stakeholders for geo-referencing and capacity building. A solid understanding of the 2030 Agenda and SDG localization, including Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), integrated territorial planning, and the development of local indicator frameworks, is essential. The consultant should possess excellent analytical and writing skills, be proactive and well-organized, and demonstrate the ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience in the field of public finance, public policy, urban governance research Strong analytical skills with the capacity to synthesize complex municipal financial datasets and translate them into policy-relevant documents and visual heatmaps Proven experience working with municipal governments, intergovernmental organizations, or international agencies on urban policy and sustainability, working with urban data and/or urban-related indicators. Deep understanding of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation, municipal public financial management systems, and the structure of Moscow City's integrated financial tracking frameworks; Relevant experience in working in the Russian Federation and Moscow is a distinct advantage. Working experience with international development agencies such as the United Nations is desirable; Experience in SDG-related work, urban sustainability reporting, or VLR/VNR development will be considered an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy fluency in English and Russian languages (written and spoken) is required. Other skills: Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, R, familiarity with other database software including spatial analysis, mapping tools and data visualization; Familiarity with SDG localization and UN processes is an asset. Professional experience in urban planning and governance is desirable.

Additional Information

Core Competencies: • Planning and organization: Ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner and under pressure. • Communication: Excellent inter-personal communication and networking skills. • Professionalism: Strong programme management, monitoring skills. Good coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to undertake complex research independently. • Teamwork: Ability to participate effectively in teams of various expertise as well as organizations. The candidate should share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings and should have a positive approach to work with consistent energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.