Urban Planner - Greater Busia Metro Development, Nairobi

UN-Habitat is hiring an Urban Planner for the Greater Busia Metro Development in Nairobi, Kenya. The role involves leading the development of a Spatial Economic Development Framework for a strategic border region between Kenya and Uganda. Responsibilities include conducting urban diagnostics, facilitating participatory planning workshops, and developing land use proposals. The position is home-based, allowing for a mix of desk work and field consultations over a 9-month period.
Role Overview UN-Habitat is seeking an experienced Urban Planner to lead the development of an Integrated City-Region Spatial Economic Development Framework for the Greater Busia Metro—a strategic cross-border economic zone in East Africa. Working across Kenya and Uganda, you will shape how this high-growth border region expands sustainably, formalizes informal trade, and creates dignified livelihoods for vulnerable communities. This is a technical leadership role combining strategic planning vision with on-the-ground participatory engagement. The position runs for 9 months and is home-based, allowing you to split time between desk-based analysis and field consultations in Busia. You will report to the Senior Human Settlements Officer and work directly with local governments, informal traders, civil society, and cross-border stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Lead preparation of the spatial-economic framework, including growth scenarios, land use zoning, and strategic development corridors aligned with Northern Corridor trade priorities Conduct urban diagnostic assessments analyzing settlement patterns, service gaps, infrastructure deficits, and informal economy dynamics affecting women and youth traders Design and facilitate participatory planning workshops with local authorities, informal communities, and civil society; ensure inclusive engagement of marginalized groups Develop land use concepts and zoning proposals that respond to economic and livelihood needs while integrating climate resilience and environmental sustainability Identify catalytic investment projects and prepare "bankable" investment pipelines with implementation sequencing for municipal and private sector engagement Integrate infrastructure and service delivery planning (markets, transport, water/sanitation, public spaces) that strengthens economic functionality and informal trader access Ensure all planning outputs align with national policies in Kenya and Uganda; provide technical guidance on local government implementation approaches Prepare high-quality technical reports, planning maps, narratives, and presentation materials for stakeholder validation Support cross-border dialogue to strengthen planning coherence and coordination between Kenya and Uganda actors Required Skills & Experience Apply advanced urban or spatial planning methodologies to develop city-region frameworks that integrate economic development, infrastructure, land use, and social inclusion Analyze informal economy systems and design planning interventions that formalize informal trade while securing tenure and livelihoods for women and youth traders Facilitate multi-stakeholder participatory planning processes with local governments, informal communities, civil society, and private sector actors across cultural and administrative boundaries Transform spatial data and urban diagnostics into strategic planning documents, investment concepts, and policy-aligned development scenarios Mentor local government teams on planning implementation, capacity building, and municipal management approaches through hands-on technical guidance Navigate cross-border coordination and stakeholder alignment to ensure planning coherence across Kenya-Uganda boundaries Communicate complex planning concepts through maps, narratives, and presentations accessible to diverse stakeholder groups Minimum 7 years professional experience in urban planning, regional development planning, or spatial frameworks, preferably in African contexts Advanced university degree (Master's) in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Land Administration, Human Settlements, Geography, Architecture, or related field (Bachelor's with equivalent professional experience considered) Fluency in English (oral and written); knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage Salary & Benefits Estimated range: KES 450,000–650,000 monthly (contract basis, 9 months). UN employment includes standard benefits. The UN does not charge recruitment fees at any stage. Who Should Apply Ideal candidates are Senior Urban Planners or Regional Planners with proven experience developing master plans or spatial frameworks for African cities, particularly those with track records working with informal settlements, informal traders, and vulnerable communities. You should be comfortable with participatory planning methodologies and have experience engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups in planning processes. Priority applicants will have prior experience with UN agencies or multilateral institutions, cross-border development contexts, and integrated planning that combines spatial, economic, and livelihood perspectives. Do not apply if: You lack 7 years of relevant planning experience, have never facilitated participatory planning, or are uncomfortable working with informal communities and informal economy stakeholders. How to Apply Prepare your application materials: CV (with specific projects demonstrating spatial planning expertise), cover letter (max 1 page addressing the role context), and portfolio of 2–3 planning frameworks or master plans you have led Submit through the UN-Habitat recruitment portal Expected timeline: Applications reviewed on rolling basis; interviews held in Nairobi or via video conferencing Shortlisted candidates may be asked to present on a hypothetical cross-border planning scenario Important Notes Position duration: 9 months (fixed-term contract) Work mode: Home-based with field travel to Busia (Kenya/Uganda border region) for stakeholder consultations and data collection Reporting: Senior Human Settlements Officer/Head of Sub Region (overall); Human Settlements Officer (direct supervisor) Language requirement: Fluency in English (written and oral) is mandatory No recruitment fee: The UN does not charge fees at any recruitment stage. Beware of fraudulent third-party recruitment claims Project context: Part of the "Harnessing Property Rights" initiative (2025–2028), supported by Danish funding, addressing land governance, tenure security, and inclusive urban development in the Greater Busia Metro