VLR Support Consultant

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this service is to develop an SDG Voluntary Local Report 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. Strengthened VLR Structure and Background Research The service will result in a well-organized body of background research that supports the development of the VLR structure and methodology. Through systematic collection, translation, and compilation of Moscow’s datasets, strategic plans, and Russian-language policy documents, the work ensures that the VLR Lead Consultant is equipped with accurate and well-structured information to build a coherent and context-specific VLR framework. ii. Reliable and Well-Organized SDG Data Inputs The assignment will produce clearly structured SDG data inputs that contribute to the VLR Data Report. By collecting data from open sources, translating relevant materials, and organizing them in a consistent format, the service ensures that information is accessible, properly documented, and ready for use in analysis, without directly leading the analytical framework iii. Analytical Support to Financial Assessment The service will contribute to the financial component of the VLR by supporting data gathering, preliminary analysis, and preparation of materials related to municipal budget alignment, financing gaps, and financing mechanisms. iv. Coordinated stakeholder engagement support The work will provide essential coordination and organizational support to stakeholder engagement processes. This includes assisting in the preparation of discussion materials, supporting the logistics and facilitation of consultation forums, and documenting proceedings. The result is a structured and well-documented set of stakeholder inputs that can be efficiently used by the VLR Lead Consultant in drafting and analysis. v. Drafting Assistance and Content Refinement The assignment will result in consistent and well-prepared drafting inputs across the VLR, including research contributions, fact-checking, editing, and formatting. The VLR Support Consultant will assist in refining content, ensuring clarity and alignment with required standards. vi. Effective Review Process and Document Coordination The service will ensure an organized and efficient review process by tracking comments, consolidating feedback from multiple stakeholders, and preparing updated draft versions. This coordination role helps maintain version control, clarity, and transparency throughout the drafting cycle, enabling smoother collaboration among all contributors. vii. Support to VLR Presentation and Dissemination The work will contribute to the preparation of communication and event materials, such as background briefs and fact sheets, and provide logistical support for the VLR launch and dissemination activities. This ensures that all materials are well-prepared and aligned with the overall messaging of the VLR. viii. Overall Contribution to VLR Delivery Overall, the VLR Support Consultant’s role will result in strong research, coordination, and drafting support that enables the efficient and high-quality delivery of the VLR. By ensuring that data, materials, stakeholder inputs, and draft content are well-organized and readily usable, the service enhances the effectiveness of the Lead Consultant’s work and contributes to the production of a coherent, accurate, and publication-ready VLR.

Work Location

Moscow, Russian Federation

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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, located in Moscow, 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. Responsibilities: This post is located within the UN-Habitat Country Office in the Russian Federation, 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 ROEECA and HQ and work in close daily collaboration with the Lead VLR Consultant. Phase 1 – Inception, Data Gathering, Financial analysis, and stakeholder consultation • Support the Lead VLR Consultant in preparing the VLR structure and chapter outline, with particular responsibility for researching Moscow's existing data sets, strategic plans, and relevant Russian-language policy documents. • Conduct SDG data collection from open sources and provide structured inputs to the VLR Data Report, including translation and annotation of Russian-language data sources. • Support the development of the Financial Analysis Component of the VLR, including review of Moscow's municipal budget allocation relative to SDG priorities; assessment of financing gaps and innovative financing mechanisms; preparation of a financial analysis brief for presentation to Moscow Government bodies and inclusion in the VLR. • Support preparation of SDG Discussion Papers for the Stakeholder Consultation Forum, integrating financial analysis findings into relevant thematic sections. • Assist in the organization and facilitation of the Moscow Government Stakeholder Consultation Forum, including preparation of facilitation materials, note-taking, and drafting of the Forum's summary report. • Compile, organize, and present stakeholder feedback in a structured manner to support the Lead VLR Consultant in integrating inputs into subsequent VLR drafts. Phase 2 – VLR Drafting Support • Provide drafting support to the Lead VLR Consultant throughout the VLR drafting phase, including researching and writing sections, fact-checking, editing, and formatting documents in line with UN-Habitat editorial standards. • Support the review cycle by organizing and tracking revisions from Task Force members, maintaining a consolidated comments log, and preparing clean track-changes versions of drafts. Phase 3 – VLR Launch Support • Provide logistical and content support for the VLR Launch Event and any international dissemination events, including preparation of background briefs, fact sheets, and event materials.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in urban planning, economics, social sciences, public policy, international development, 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 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 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 Competencies: Core: • 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. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, project implementation in the areas of urban sustainability; Experience in preparing succinct analytical documents and SDG-related research, VLR/VNR support or municipal analysis would be an advantage Experience working on urban research in Moscow is highly desirable; Experience working with Russian government counterparts or within the Russian urban planning context is a strong advantage. Proven ability to gather, organize, and analyze large data sets from multiple sources, including Russian-language official statistics and policy documents.

Languages

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

Additional Information

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 computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, R, or any other database software, Outlook, and Web search engines; • Proficiency in statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, R and MATLAB and GIS software would be an advantage;

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.