SDG Cities Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates in over 30 countries, providing strategic guidance, coordination, and oversight to ensure coherent program delivery and effective partnerships. The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA), based in Istanbul, Türkiye, supports national and local governments in implementing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development. UN-Habitat's initiatives include SDG localization, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and integrated urban solutions for basic service delivery, contributing to a global portfolio on SDG Localization, including the SDG Cities Global Initiative.

Job Overview:
The SDG Cities Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the development of a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) for Moscow, under the supervision of the Head of the UN-Habitat Country Office in the Russian Federation. The position involves providing technical research, analytical, and drafting support throughout all phases of the VLR development cycle and facilitating stakeholder consultations. The consultant will contribute to producing a structured, bilingual Data Report that consolidates information from various sources, aligning it with SDG indicators and the Global Urban Monitoring Framework. This role also includes conducting evidence-based policy analysis to identify gaps and priority areas for improvement in Moscow's policies and strategies, synthesizing key findings into SDG Discussion Papers, and developing a comprehensive VLR that incorporates stakeholder input and actionable recommendations. The ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of local authorities to manage SDG data and support long-term sustainability in urban development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SDG Cities Research Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting desk research and strategic policy mapping to execute a comprehensive literature review for the Moscow VLR; developing a structured pool of qualitative case studies that highlight Moscow's urban practices; compiling relevant feedback from stakeholders to support the development of VLR chapters; preparing concise thematic policy briefs and analytical notes; providing analytical inputs for positioning the Moscow VLR within UN-Habitat's SDG localization approach; and supporting the development of high-quality, bilingual VLR publications for international dissemination. The consultant will also engage with multiple stakeholder groups, build the capacity of the Moscow Government Task Force, and ensure that the VLR process aligns with the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in knowledge management, public policy analysis, monitoring, and qualitative research in sustainable development, municipal governance, or international development. Strong capacity to synthesize complex regulatory frameworks into structured analytical briefs is essential. Familiarity with the UN-Habitat/UCLG VLR Methodology and experience working with Russian government counterparts or within the Russian urban planning context are considered assets. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong writing, research, and coordination skills, as well as proficiency in MS Office and collaborative cloud drives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in urban planning, political science, international development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, particularly in knowledge management, public policy analysis, and qualitative research related to sustainable development and evidence-based decision-making. Experience in municipal governance or international development is also necessary, along with a strong understanding of the institutional dynamics at both national and local levels of governance and planning.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) is required for this assignment. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The ideal candidate should possess a combination of strong technical expertise in sustainable urban development and demonstrated experience in supporting multilevel governance and data-informed policy processes. The role is expected to last for four months and requires adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Core competencies include planning and organization, communication, professionalism, and teamwork. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.