Job description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM)
POSITION: URBAN PLANNING INTERN
Location: Mzuzu
Urban Planning Intern (One Position)
Mzuzu Informal Settlement Upgrading Project
Help Shape More Inclusive and Sustainable Communities in Mzuzu
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.
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; and
Inspire Action for Housing through advocacy, partnerships, and volunteerism.
Position Details
Position: Urban Planning Officer Intern (One Position)
Department: Programs
Duty Station: Mzuzu City
Duration: Four months (October 2026 to January 2027)
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.
Background
HFHM 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 Internship
The 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 Responsibilities
The 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 Deliverables
During 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.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess:
A Bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, Land Management, Geography, or a related field.
The following will be an added advantage:
Working knowledge of GIS, remoting 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
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
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.
Internship Benefits
This internship offers valuable practical experience in:
Participatory settlement upgrading.
Land use planning and development control processes.
Community engagement and stakeholder consultation.
Spatial data collection and management.
Collaboration with local government and professional planning practitioners.
The successful candidate will receive a monthly stipend and related allowances in accordance with HFHM’s internship policy.
Important Information
Applicants should note that:
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.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates should submit their applications by Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:00 PM. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter
Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
Copies of academic qualifications and relevant certificates
Applications must be submitted exclusively to recruitment@habitat.mw and addressed to:
The Human Resource and Learning & Organizational Development Manager
Habitat for Humanity Malawi
Area 14, Plot 14/206, Off Presidential Drive, Red Cross Turn,
P.O. Box 1638 Lilongwe, Malawi
Please clearly indicate the position being applied for in the email subject line.
Email Subject: HFHM-MZUZU URBAN PLANNING OFFICER INTERN─ [Name of Applicant]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.