Senior Urban Planning Consultant Job Vacancy in Lilongwe, Malawi – Government & Public Policy

Job Description

Position: Senior Urban Planning Consultant

Company: Malawi Department of Urban Affairs

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

Experience: 7+ years

Education: Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or Regional Development

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Government & Public Policy

Department: Urban Development & Infrastructure

Salary: 1,200,000 SSP – 1,800,000 SSP

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

The Malawi Department of Urban Affairs is the leading governmental body responsible for the strategic development, regulation, and sustainable management of urban centers across the nation. As the country undergoes rapid urbanization, our department plays a critical role in ensuring that cities remain livable, resilient, and economically vibrant. We work closely with international development partners, local municipalities, and private sector stakeholders to implement long-term spatial frameworks that balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Our mission is to create organized, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments that support the growing population of Malawi. We are committed to excellence in public service and the implementation of modern planning standards that align with international best practices.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Senior Urban Planning Consultant to lead complex spatial development projects within the Lilongwe metropolitan area and beyond. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of Malawi’s urban landscape. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing comprehensive land-use strategies, evaluating the impact of infrastructure projects, and advising senior government officials on policy implementation. This is a high-impact role that offers significant career opportunities in Malawi for professionals dedicated to public service and sustainable development. You will navigate complex regulatory frameworks to ensure that all urban expansion is managed in a way that promotes social equity and environmental sustainability. For more information on local career trends, visit https://malawijobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive municipal master plans and spatial development frameworks.
• Conduct detailed socio-economic impact assessments for proposed urban infrastructure and housing projects.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists to ensure urban expansion adheres to strict ecological conservation standards.
• Advise the Ministry on legislative changes required to modernize urban zoning and land-use regulations.
• Coordinate with local government authorities to monitor compliance with national urban planning standards.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for parliamentary committees and international donor agencies.

Required Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and AutoCAD software.
• Deep understanding of Malawian land tenure systems and urban planning legislation.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and long-term visioning capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with NGOs and government officials.
• Excellent technical writing and professional communication skills in English.

Education

Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Development, Geography, or a closely related field. A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture with a specialization in urban design is also acceptable if accompanied by significant professional experience.

Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in urban planning, spatial design, or municipal management is required. Proven experience in managing large-scale public sector projects or working with international development agencies is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful project delivery in developing urban contexts.

Salary

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 1,200,000 SSP to 1,800,000 SSP, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and depth of experience. This package is competitive within the public sector and reflects the seniority of the role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and workshops.
• Pension scheme contributions.
• Commuter allowance for travel within the Lilongwe region.

Training

• Specialized training in advanced GIS modeling and spatial analytics.
• Leadership and public policy management workshops.
• International urban sustainability seminars.

Working Environment

The working environment is a professional office setting located in the heart of Lilongwe. The role involves a mix of desk-based strategic planning and field visits to various urban sites to monitor development progress. While primarily office-based, the role requires significant interaction with diverse groups of people, from local community leaders to high-level government dignitaries. For regional job insights, please visit https://mozambiquejobsearch.com/.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, and copies of their academic credentials through our official recruitment portal. This job vacancy in Malawi is open to qualified individuals who meet all the specified requirements. Please ensure all documents are uploaded in PDF format. For more employment in Malawi, check our updates regularly. You can also find similar roles via https://sudanjobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Malawi Department of Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. We are actively hiring in Malawi to build a diverse and talented workforce.