VLR Support Consultant

The VLR Support Consultant will assist in the development of the SDG Voluntary Local Review for Moscow by providing research, coordination, drafting, and stakeholder engagement support. The role involves data collection, financial analysis support, drafting assistance, and logistical support for dissemination activities under the supervision of the Head of the UN-Habitat Country Office in Moscow.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead VLR Consultant in preparing the VLR structure and chapter outline, 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Strong technical expertise in sustainable urban development.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting multilevel governance and data-informed policy processes.
• Solid understanding of the 2030 Agenda and SDG localization, including Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), integrated territorial planning, and the development of local indicator frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Proactive and well-organized with ability to work independently and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and understanding of institutional dynamics at national and local governance levels.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, project implementation in urban sustainability.
• Experience in preparing succinct analytical documents and SDG-related research, VLR/VNR support or municipal analysis is 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.
• Fluency in English and Russian languages (written and spoken) is required.
• 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.

Skills

• Sustainable Urban Development
• Multilevel Governance Support
• Data-Informed Policy Processes
• Global Agenda 2030 Knowledge
• SDG Localization
• Voluntary Local Reviews
• Integrated Territorial Planning
• Local Indicator Frameworks
• Analytical Writing
• Research
• Policy Analysis
• Project Implementation
• Urban Sustainability
• Data Analysis
• Statistical Analysis
• MS Excel
• SPSS
• SAS
• Matlab
• GIS Software
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Financial Analysis
• Logistical Support
• English Language
• Russian Language

Languages

English, Russian