Urban Planner Consultant (12-month contract)

About the role

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‑Habitat) is seeking an Urban Planner Consultant for a 12‑month assignment based in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The role supports the EU‑funded Regional Programme to strengthen institutional capacities, promote durable solutions for displaced populations, and advance climate‑resilient urban development. The consultant will report to the Programme Manager and work closely with the UN‑Habitat Ethiopia team.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct training needs assessments and institutional mapping for federal, regional, city and woreda authorities.
• Develop curricula and learning materials on durable solutions, area‑based approaches and settlement management.
• Facilitate leadership training sessions, peer‑learning activities and document participant feedback.
• Perform settlement assessments, urban diagnosis and climate‑smart suitability and hazard mapping to guide planning and investment decisions.
• Provide technical guidance to local authorities on land governance and tenure security.
• Support the preparation of reports and recommendations that integrate land governance, tenure security and displacement‑responsive planning.

Required profile

• Relevant experience in urban planning, settlement assessment and climate‑smart planning.
• Familiarity with displacement‑affected contexts and durable‑solution approaches.
• Advanced degree in urban planning, geography, environmental studies or a related field preferred.
• Proven ability to produce high‑quality analytical reports and work collaboratively with government authorities, development partners and local communities.

Required skills