Urban Planning Intern

Job description

Urban Planning Intern (One Position)Mzuzu Informal Settlement Upgrading ProjectHelp Shape More Inclusive and Sustainable Communities in MzuzuHabitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Planning Intern to support the implementation of an informal settlement upgrading initiative in Geisha and Nkhorongo-Hopoka settlements in Mzuzu City. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for an emerging planning professional to gain practical experience in land use planning, community engagement, spatial data management, and participatory settlement upgrading.For nearly 40 years, Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM) has worked alongside communities, government institutions, development partners, faith-based organizations, and the private sector to ensure that every Malawian has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.Guided by our Strategic Plan 2025–2030, we are pursuing an ambitious agenda to:Build More and Better Homes for vulnerable families;Transform Housing Systems by influencing markets and public policy; andInspire Action for Housing through advocacy, partnerships, and volunteerism.Position DetailsPosition: Urban Planning Officer Intern (One Position)Department: ProgramsDuty Station: Mzuzu CityDuration: Four months (October 2026 to January 2027)Reports to: Project Officer, Home Equals ProjectWorks Closely With: Mzuzu University planning and surveying team, Mzuzu City Council, and community leadership structures in Geisha and Nkhorongo-Hopoka settlements.BackgroundHFHM is implementing in-situ informal settlement upgrading in the Geisha and Nkhorongo-Hopoka settlements of Mzuzu City in partnership with Mzuzu City Council and a consultancy team from Mzuzu University. The project includes land use planning, land surveying, preparation of layout plans and planning briefs, identification of public spaces and road reserves, mapping of affected plots and households, and community validation of proposed plans.As the project enters a critical implementation phase, HFHM seeks a Planning Intern to provide technical and coordination support to ensure that planning outputs, supporting data, and community consultation processes are completed to a high standard and within agreed timelines.Purpose of the InternshipThe Planning Intern will provide day-to-day technical and coordination support to the settlement upgrading process, contributing to the preparation, review, validation, and documentation of planning outputs and community engagement activities.Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe intern will:Support the review of draft layout plans and planning briefs prepared by consultants, ensuring clarity of zoning, land use categories, public spaces, buffers, and road networks.Assist in mapping and identifying plots affected by the proposed layouts and compiling household information for affected residents.Support the identification and documentation of public spaces and road reserves within both settlements.Assist in preparing maps, presentations, and supporting materials for meetings with communities, local authorities, and other stakeholders.Support processes related to planning standard variances and documentation required by Mzuzu City Council.Assist in identifying alternative plots for households affected by planned public infrastructure and public spaces.Support the organization and facilitation of community validation meetings, including maintaining attendance records and documenting community feedback.Maintain organized project records, including maps, planning documents, correspondence, household data, and meeting records.Support monitoring of consultant deliverables and preparation of project progress updates.Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.Expected DeliverablesDuring the internship, the successful candidate will contribute to:An inception note outlining the internship work plan.Review notes on layout plans and planning briefs.A register of affected plots and households.An inventory of public spaces and road reserves.Records and reports from community validation sessions.A well-organized archive of project data and maps.An end-of-internship report summarizing achievements, lessons learned, and outstanding issues.

Requirements

Apply by email: recruitment@habitat.mw