Urban Planner

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urban development. The organization focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the overarching goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to transform urban areas into safer, healthier, and greener environments. The organization operates globally, working in numerous countries to address urban challenges and improve living conditions for the urban poor. UN-Habitat is currently implementing a project titled 'Harnessing Property Rights: Building Resilience of Local Governments and Informal Women and Youth Traders in the Greater Busia Metro (GBM), 2025–2028),' which is funded through Danish support and focuses on cross-border towns in the Busia region, which is strategically important for trade and economic development.

Job Overview:
The Urban Planner position is crucial for the successful development of an Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro. This role involves providing technical leadership and hands-on planning expertise, working closely with local governments, communities, and relevant institutions. The Urban Planner will be responsible for developing a structured framework that guides sustainable urban expansion, strengthens infrastructure and service delivery, and supports local economic development. The position requires a deep understanding of urban planning principles, particularly in the context of informal trade and vulnerable populations, including women and youth. The Urban Planner will also engage in participatory planning processes to ensure that the needs of marginalized groups are integrated into the planning outputs, thereby promoting inclusive and resilient urban development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Planner will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the preparation of the Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro.
• Supporting the development of spatial concepts for the cross-border region, including urban growth scenarios and land use strategies.
• Conducting urban diagnostic assessments to analyze settlement patterns, service gaps, and land use challenges.
• Facilitating participatory planning consultations with local authorities and communities to validate planning priorities.
• Providing technical inputs into infrastructure and service development planning aligned with the spatial framework.
• Identifying priority infrastructure investments needed to enhance urban functionality.
• Supporting the identification and formulation of priority catalytic projects and investment opportunities.
• Ensuring all planning outputs align with national and sub-national policies in Kenya and Uganda.
• Preparing high-quality technical reports and planning documentation. 1
• Conducting desk studies and supporting the design of surveys and special studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Land Administration, Human Settlements, Geography, Geomatics, Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, spatial planning, or city-region planning, preferably within the African context. Proven experience in working with local governments and informal communities in developing urban plans and frameworks is essential. Experience in integrating inclusive planning approaches targeting informal settlements and vulnerable groups is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or related disciplines. A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted if combined with substantial relevant experience. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of urban development and spatial planning.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in urban planning, spatial planning, or related fields. Experience should include working with local governments and informal communities, particularly in the context of urban development plans and participatory planning processes. Familiarity with the challenges faced by informal traders and vulnerable populations is highly desirable, as is experience working with UN agencies or international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context of the Greater Busia Metro.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. The role is part of a project that aims to enhance urban planning and development in the Greater Busia Metro, which includes cross-border collaboration between Kenya and Uganda. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.