United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Urban Planner
Nairobi
Posted 28 February, 2026
Deadline 15 March, 2026
0
Design and ArchitectureFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN agency for human settlements. 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. The Urban Economy Branch of UN-Habitat is seeking an Urban Planner to support the preparation of the Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro (GBM).
Role Overview
Within delegated authority, the urban planner will be responsible for spatial planning and framework development, specifically leading the preparation of the Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro (GBM). This role involves cross-border regional planning, land use strategy, and economic zone planning to foster sustainable urban growth.
Key Responsibilities
Spatial Planning & Framework Development: Lead the preparation of the Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro (GBM).
Cross-Border Regional Planning: Support the preparation of spatial development concepts for the cross-border region, including urban growth scenarios and development options.
Land Use & Strategy: Prepare draft land use concepts, zoning proposals, and spatial development strategies that respond to economic and livelihood needs.
Economic Zone Planning: Contribute to the development of a Smart Economic Zone / Investment-oriented Master Plan concept for the GBM.
Strategic Identification: Identify strategic urban development corridors, investment nodes, and economic zones relevant to the Northern Corridor context.
Sustainability Integration: Integrate climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and risk reduction measures into spatial planning outputs.
Inclusivity & Access: Ensure planning proposals incorporate inclusive public space planning, mobility/access, and service delivery improvements.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Land Administration, Human Settlements, Geography, Geomatics, Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, spatial planning, regional development planning, or city-region planning is required. Experience in Africa is highly preferred.
Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience working with local governments, informal communities, and cross-sector stakeholders in the preparation of urban development plans, master plans, spatial frameworks, or participatory planning processes.
Inclusive Planning: Demonstrated experience integrating inclusive planning approaches, including interventions targeting informal settlements, informal traders, women, and youth livelihoods.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the UN Careers portal at careers.un.org. You can access the application link via: UN-Habitat Application Portal
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the United Nations careers portal. Click the following link to proceed to the application: UN-Habitat on careers.un.org
