Urban Planner

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development. It operates in over 90 countries, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat's governance structure includes the UN-Habitat Assembly, the Executive Board, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, which oversee its activities and ensure effective operational and normative functions. The Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) collaborates with nearly 40 African governments to develop sustainable urban strategies, addressing diverse challenges across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Urban Planner will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive, participatory, and GIS-based Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan (LPLUDP) for Muhoroni Town. This role involves creating a legally compliant framework that guides sustainable urban growth, land use, and infrastructure development. The planner will promote environmental protection, climate resilience, and inclusive socio-economic development while strengthening land governance and service delivery. The position also includes mentoring young professionals in the built environment sector, ensuring that the planning process is inclusive and community-driven. The planner will work closely with various stakeholders, including local government, community members, and development partners, to ensure that the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the Muhoroni community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Planner's duties will include conducting a desktop study to review existing data and identify information gaps, digitizing land records and maps for improved planning, and engaging with the community and stakeholders through public forums and surveys. The planner will evaluate relevant legal and policy frameworks to ensure compliance, conduct a situational analysis using GIS to assess current land use and infrastructure, and develop strategic interventions to address identified challenges. The planner will formulate the Physical and Land Use Plan, including zoning and development control regulations, and create a Capital Investment Plan detailing critical infrastructure projects. Additionally, the planner will develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and ensure accountability throughout the implementation of the plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a related field. A first-level university degree in these fields, combined with relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of experience in Urban Planning or Regional Planning is required, with a focus on city-wide planning, informal settlements upgrading, urban regeneration, land management, and public space design. Experience in organizing participatory planning activities and capacity development is essential, along with the ability to collaborate with high-level government officials and development partners. Previous experience within the UN system is considered an asset, and a license from the Physical Planners Registration Board in Kenya is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields, combined with additional relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in Urban Planning or Regional Planning, with significant involvement in various aspects of urban planning, including city-wide planning, informal settlements upgrading, and urban regeneration. Experience in participatory planning and capacity development activities is also required, along with a proven track record of managing partnerships with government officials and development partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of eight months. The position may involve mentoring young professionals in the built environment sector, with costs associated with onboarding interns to be factored into the consultant's fees. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.