SDG Cities Research Assistant

About the role

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‑Habitat) is seeking a Research Assistant to support the development of Moscow’s first Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the Sustainable Development Goals. Working under the Head of the UN‑Habitat Country Office and in close cooperation with the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the consultant will contribute to evidence‑based policy analysis, data synthesis and stakeholder engagement over a four‑month period.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct desk research and strategic policy mapping, reviewing national and international case studies, state programmes and regulatory frameworks relevant to the 2030 Agenda.
• Develop a structured pool of qualitative Moscow case studies, gathering evidence, cross‑checking official sources and documenting implementation mechanisms.
• Support the drafting of VLR chapters by compiling stakeholder feedback from Moscow government departments and UN‑Habitat technical teams.
• Prepare concise thematic policy briefs and analytical notes aligned with the VLR structure, capturing municipal targets, delivery mechanisms and source metadata.
• Provide analytical inputs to position the Moscow VLR within UN‑Habitat’s SDG localization approach and contribute to strategic alignment reports.

Required profile

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience in knowledge management, public policy analysis, monitoring or qualitative research related to sustainable development, municipal governance or international development.
• Relevant academic qualifications (e.g., degree in urban studies, public policy, environmental science or a related field).