Job Description
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is inviting applications from experienced and forward-thinking professionals for the position of Urban Planner (Consultant) based in Nairobi, Kenya. This consultancy offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative urban development initiatives that improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities while advancing sustainable planning practices. Working alongside multidisciplinary specialists, government counterparts, development partners, academic institutions, and local communities, the successful consultant will support the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of projects that promote resilient, inclusive, safe, and environmentally responsible urban environments.
The Urban Planner will provide professional technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of planning assignments covering land use management, integrated spatial planning, urban policy development, infrastructure planning, housing strategies, climate resilience, public space improvement, and sustainable mobility. The consultant will contribute evidence-based recommendations, prepare planning documentation, undertake urban assessments, interpret demographic and geographic data, and help translate research findings into practical policy solutions that strengthen sustainable urbanization.
This consultancy requires an individual who combines analytical capability with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. The successful candidate will collaborate with national governments, county administrations, municipal authorities, civil society organizations, development agencies, private sector representatives, and technical experts to ensure that planning initiatives reflect local priorities while aligning with internationally recognized sustainable development principles. Assignments may involve conducting field missions, facilitating technical workshops, preparing concept notes, producing strategic planning reports, and supporting the implementation of urban programmes in various locations.
The consultant will be expected to interpret complex planning challenges, identify opportunities for innovation, recommend practical interventions, and contribute to the achievement of measurable development outcomes. Responsibilities will include reviewing planning frameworks, supporting capacity-building initiatives, developing technical guidance materials, monitoring project progress, and ensuring that assigned outputs meet high professional standards within agreed timelines.
Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, independent judgement, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic international working environment. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of sustainable urban growth, environmental stewardship, climate adaptation, social inclusion, disaster risk reduction, and integrated development planning. Familiarity with geographic information systems, planning legislation, urban analytics, and project management methodologies will be considered an advantage.
This consultancy provides an outstanding opportunity to participate in meaningful work that supports sustainable cities and communities while collaborating with internationally recognized professionals. Individuals who are committed to delivering practical planning solutions, maintaining high ethical standards, embracing innovation, and contributing to long-term urban transformation are encouraged to submit their applications. The appointment will be based in Nairobi and will support UN-Habitat's mission of creating better urban futures through effective planning, responsible governance, and sustainable development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical urban planning assignments while ensuring compliance with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
- Conduct comprehensive urban assessments covering demographic trends, land use patterns, infrastructure needs, environmental considerations, and socio-economic development.
- Prepare integrated spatial planning documents, technical reports, concept papers, policy briefs, and planning recommendations.
- Review existing planning legislation, zoning regulations, development strategies, and urban policies to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support the design of sustainable urban development initiatives aligned with international best practices.
- Collect, organize, verify, interpret, and analyse quantitative and qualitative planning data from multiple reliable sources.
- Develop planning maps, spatial analysis products, and technical documentation using appropriate planning tools and digital technologies.
- Coordinate consultations with government institutions, municipal authorities, community organizations, development partners, and technical experts.
- Facilitate stakeholder workshops, planning forums, public participation activities, and technical review meetings.
- Prepare presentations and briefing materials for senior management, project partners, and external stakeholders.
- Contribute technical expertise to housing, mobility, climate resilience, public space, and infrastructure planning initiatives.
- Support project monitoring activities by tracking implementation milestones and preparing periodic progress updates.
- Identify planning risks, implementation challenges, and practical mitigation measures throughout project delivery.
- Promote inclusive planning approaches that consider gender equality, youth participation, accessibility, and social equity.
- Ensure planning recommendations incorporate environmental sustainability and climate adaptation considerations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals including engineers, architects, economists, environmental specialists, and policy advisors.
- Review consultant deliverables and technical outputs for consistency, completeness, and professional quality.
- Assist in developing urban indicators, performance measurement frameworks, and monitoring tools.
- Contribute to knowledge management activities through documentation of lessons learned and best practices.
- Support capacity-building programmes by preparing technical training materials and delivering knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and organized records throughout consultancy assignments.
- Participate in field assessments and technical missions when required.
- Build productive professional relationships with internal teams and external partners.
- Ensure confidentiality of sensitive project information and maintain the highest ethical standards.
- Perform additional urban planning responsibilities consistent with the objectives of the consultancy as assigned by project management.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master's degree in urban planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, Geography, Architecture, Environmental Planning, or a closely related discipline.
- Professional certification in urban planning or related field is an added advantage.
- Excellent knowledge of sustainable urban development principles.
- Strong analytical and research capability.
- Experience preparing technical planning reports and policy documents.
- Knowledge of land use planning and spatial development frameworks.
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools.
- Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
- Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Effective project coordination and organizational skills.
- Ability to interpret technical data and develop practical recommendations.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong problem
- solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multicultural teams.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent time management and attention to detail.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required
- additional UN languages are advantageous.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official United Nations careers recruitment system before the closing date. Applicants should prepare an updated curriculum vitae or personal history profile, a concise cover letter outlining relevant experience, and any supporting documentation demonstrating qualifications and previous urban planning assignments. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.