ABOUT THE ROLE

Habitat 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.

Position: Urban Planning Officer Intern

Department: Programs

Duty Station: Mzuzu City

Reports to: Project Officer, Home Equals Project

Works Closely With: Mzuzu University planning and surveying team, Mzuzu City Council, and community leadership structures in Geisha and Nkhorongo-Hopoka settlements.

For nearly 40 years, 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.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, Land Management, Geography, or a related field

Added advantages:

• Working knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and mapping software
• Experience using AutoCAD or related planning and surveying applications
• Familiarity with Malawi's planning and land administration framework
• Knowledge of informal settlement development issues
• Previous exposure to community-based projects through internships, attachments, volunteer work, or academic activities

Required Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good analytical and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills in English, Chichewa and Tumbuka
• Ability to work respectfully with communities and local leaders
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Willingness to work in informal settlement environments and travel within Mzuzu City

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 Deliverables:

• 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

Internship Benefits:

• Valuable practical experience in participatory settlement upgrading, land use planning, community engagement, spatial data management, and collaboration with local government and professional planning practitioners
• A monthly stipend and related allowances in accordance with HFHM's internship policy

Important Information:

• The internship is based in Mzuzu City
• Candidates should already be resident in Mzuzu City or its surrounding areas
• No accommodation or relocation support will be provided
• The internship does not create any expectation of future employment with HFHM

Safeguarding and Conduct:

The successful candidate will be required to comply with HFHM safeguarding, child protection, code of conduct, and data protection policies and complete the required orientation before commencing field activities.

• 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

• Working knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, and mapping software
• Experience using AutoCAD or related planning and surveying applications
• Familiarity with Malawi's planning and land administration framework
• Knowledge of informal settlement development issues
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good analytical and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills in English, Chichewa and Tumbuka
• Ability to work respectfully with communities and local leaders
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Willingness to work in informal settlement environments and travel within Mzuzu City

• A Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, Land Management, Geography, or a related field
• Previous exposure to community-based projects through internships, attachments, volunteer work, or academic activities