SDG Cities Research Assistant

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this service is to support 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, and in close cooperation with ROEECA, the consultant will contribute to the following key outcomes: i. Research and technical input to the 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. ii. 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. iii. 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. iv. 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. v. 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. vi. 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. vii. 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, Russian Federation

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The SDG Cities Research Consultant will provide technical research, analytical, and drafting support to the SDG Moscow Localization Project team across all phases of the VLR development cycle and stakeholder consultation facilitation. Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote social and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system and works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. It promotes urbanization as a positive, transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat’s Regional Programme Division (RPD) provides strategic guidance, coordination, and oversight to Regional and Country Offices to ensure coherent programme delivery, effective partnerships, and alignment with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan. The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA), based in Istanbul, Türkiye, supports national and local governments and other partners in implementing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities. The regional office supports institutional capacity-building on sustainable urbanization and knowledge transfer between regional counterparts through key initiatives such as SDG localization, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), integrated urban solutions for basic services delivery, and others. UN-Habitat’s global footprint on SDG localization exceeds 30 countries, working through the United Nations system and in cooperation with main UN 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 data for evidence-based decision-making, fostering cities’ access to finance, and building their overall institutional capacities. Within this framework, UN-Habitat, through ROEECA and its Country Office in the Russian Federation in Moscow, is implementing a project to support the City of Moscow in developing 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. Responsibilities The Consultant will contribute to the following outcomes to ensure that complex qualitative city practices, strategic policy choices, and international benchmarks are rigorously analyzed, documented, and translated to Moscow's experience effectively within regional and global sustainable development dialogue. A. Research Support to VLR Preparation and Monitoring • Conduct desk research and strategic policy mapping: Execute a comprehensive literature review for the Moscow VLR: stocktaking of relevant national and international case studies, state programmes and regulatory frameworks, assessing their structural alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. • Develop a structured pool of qualitative Moscow case studies: Curate, research and draft concrete examples of Moscow’s urban practices to complement quantitative SDG indicators. This involves gathering the necessary evidence base, cross-checking official sources, outlining the baseline context, detailing institutional implementation mechanisms, and capturing verifiable results. • Support the development of the chapters of the VLR by compiling the relevant feedback from the stakeholders, including from relevant departments within the Government of Moscow as well as UN-Habitat relevant technical teams. • Prepare concise thematic policy briefs and analytical notes mapped directly to the VLR structure, capturing municipal targets, delivery mechanisms, and source metadata. B. Knowledge Development and Follow-Up • Support Global Strategic Alignment: Provide analytical inputs for positioning the Moscow VLR within UN-Habitat's SDG localization approach. This includes preparing concise analytical reports that map entry points in line with the Strategic Plan 2026–2029, in particular the means of implementation on participatory multilevel governance and SDG localization, and on knowledge, data, digitalization and capacity development, and its regional roadmap

Qualifications/special skills

A minimum of 2 (two) years of relevant professional experience in knowledge management, proven experience in public policy analysis, monitoring and qualitative research in the areas of sustainable development and evidence-based decision-making, municipal governance, or international development. Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in urban planning, political science, international development, or a related field. A first level university degree in one of these fields, combined with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Strong capacity to synthesize complex, high-volume strategic regulatory frameworks (such as Moscow City Government Master Plans, State Programs, and targeted investment blueprints) into structured analytical briefs. Deep institutional understanding of the structure, budgeting, and performance tracking mechanisms of Moscow’s state programmes (e.g., transport, digital city, social development) Familiarity with the UN-Habitat/UCLG VLR Methodology, VLR/VNR processes is an asset Experience working with Russian government counterparts or within the Russian urban planning context. Other Skills: Strong writing, research, and coordination skills. Familiarity with SDG localization and UN processes is an asset. Professional experience in urban planning and governance is desirable. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaborative cloud drives (OneDrive, SharePoint) for document architecture, formatting alignment, and version control.

Languages

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this assignment fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) is required.

Additional Information

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong technical expertise in sustainable urban development and demonstrated experience in supporting multilevel governance and data-informed policy processes. 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 strong capacity to synthesize complex, high-volume strategic regulatory frameworks, 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. The role requires adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a good understanding of the institutional dynamics at both national and local levels of governance and planning. 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 and 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.