Result of Service

The ultimate result of this service is to develop an SDG Voluntary Local Report for Moscow. Under the supervision of the Head of Office in the Russian Federation, the GIS Consultant will contribute to the following key outcomes: a. Integrated SDG Geospatial Evidence for the VLR ii. A coherent portfolio of high-quality GIS-based geospatial visualizations and analyses will be produced and fully integrated into the Moscow VLR, enhancing the spatial dimension of SDG monitoring, narrative, and recommendations. a. Structured, Maintainable Geospatial Data Infrastructure iii. A consolidated, well-documented geodatabase and accompanying metadata/technical notes will be established, aligning spatial data with SDG indicators and enabling future updates and reuse by Moscow authorities and UN Habitat. a. Enhanced Capacity for Spatially Informed Decision-Making iv. Through iterative engagement and tailored map products, the work will strengthen local stakeholders’ ability to interpret and use spatial evidence in planning, governance, and future SDG localization and reporting processes. a. Support to VLR Presentation and Dissemination v. 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. a. Overall Contribution to VLR Delivery vi. Overall, the GIS and Spatial Analysis Consultant’s role will result in provision of GIS analysis and technical components, 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 VLR 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

Purpose The purpose of this consultancy is to develop an Action-oriented of Moscow’s progress towards the SDGs to inform prioritization, decision-making and resource allocation. Duties and Responsibilities Background 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. The GIS Consultant will serve as the principal technical expert responsible for the overall quality, design, and production of geospatial visualizations for the Moscow Voluntary Local Review. The Consultant will lead the review and analysis of geospatial data and prepare geospatial visualizations accordingly. Responsibilities: Phase 1 – Inception, Data Gathering and Validation

Support the Lead VLR Consultant in translating the agreed VLR structure into a coherent portfolio of geospatial analyses and map products, ensuring consistency with the UN Habitat Action Oriented VLR Methodology, the SDG Cities Assessment framework, and the Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF).
Compile, clean, and organize all relevant geospatial datasets for Moscow (e.g. administrative boundaries, land use, transport networks, public services, environmental layers, demographic grids) from open data platforms and targeted requests to Moscow government bodies; establish and maintain a GIS geodatabase aligned with SDG indicators and the UMF.
Conduct a desk review of existing spatial plans, statutory and strategic maps, remote sensing products, and other spatial information to identify baseline spatial patterns, gaps, and potential inconsistencies relevant to each SDG thematic area.
In close coordination with the Lead VLR Consultant, the Moscow Office, and the Moscow Government Task Force, refine and document the agreed scope, thematic focus, and technical specifications for GIS mapping (e.g. scale, symbology, classification, disaggregation, and expected geospatial outputs for each chapter).
Prepare preliminary geospatial analyses and draft cartographic outputs (static and, where relevant, web based) to feed into the SDG Discussion Papers, illustrating key spatial disparities, accessibility patterns, hotspots, and opportunity areas identified through the data assessment.
Provide geospatial inputs to the VLR Support Consultant and Lead VLR Consultant to enable spatial visualization of financial and investment data where feasible (e.g. mapping spatial distribution of expenditures, priority investment areas, or funding gaps).
Prepare and deliver GIS components of the technical presentation for the Moscow Government Stakeholder Consultation Forum, including thematic maps and geospatial storylines; refine datasets and draft maps based on stakeholder feedback. Phase 2 – VLR Drafting and Review
Design and produce a coherent portfolio of high quality GIS based geospatial visualizations for the VLR (e.g. overview maps, SDG specific thematic maps, cross cutting maps), ensuring cartographic quality, readability, and alignment with UN Habitat mapping standards and the agreed VLR structure.
Work with the Lead VLR Consultant to integrate geospatial findings and maps into the SDG by SDG analysis and cross cutting sections, ensuring that spatial evidence is clearly linked to the narrative, data analysis, and recommendations.
Prepare a complete draft set of maps and geospatial figures for inclusion in the draft VLR submitted to the Moscow Government Task Force, including a map list, captions, and a brief explanation of key spatial insights for each figure.
Revise and refine all geospatial datasets, analyses, and map layouts based on comments and technical inputs received during the Task Force review workshop and subsequent consultations, ensuring internal consistency (e.g. harmonized symbology, scales, and base layers).
Prepare final, publication ready cartographic products (print quality files and, where required, web optimized versions), including legends, metadata, and source credits; coordinate closely with the design/layout team and translator to ensure correct integration of maps, labels, and annotations in both English and Russian versions of the VLR.
Prepare tailored GIS based visualizations and, if requested, lightweight story maps or presentation packs for international dissemination events (e.g. HLPF side event, Shanghai SDG Cities Conference), in coordination with the Lead VLR Consultant and UN Habitat communication teams 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.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in data science, geography, geomatics/geoinformatics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, urban/regional planning, or a closely related field is required . 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. A minimum of 2 (two) years of relevant professional experience in GIS analysis, spatial data management, and cartographic production, preferably in the context of urban planning, SDG monitoring, or urban sustainability reporting is required. Demonstrated experience in designing and producing GIS‑based thematic maps and geospatial analyses for policy or reporting documents (e.g. VLRs, VNRs, urban development reports), including work with municipal governments, intergovernmental organizations, or international agencies. Proven proficiency with leading GIS tools (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS) is required; Knowledge of the SDG indicator framework and its current development in Moscow is desirable; Experience working with quantitative research methods and tools; knowledge of statistical research methods and knowledge of the Rosstat portal is required. Skills: Strong writing, research, and coordination skills. Familiarity with SDG localization and UN processes is required; Professional experience in urban planning and governance is desirable; Experience working in Microsoft One Drive storing project digital archives is required.

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

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.

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.