Urban Planner

Scope of Work:

The Urban Planner’s responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. Urban Planning and Project Preparation

• Review and assess developers’ master plans, site layouts, and land use proposals for alignment with urban planning principles and project objectives. 
• Evaluate land use efficiency, density optimization, infrastructure integration, and accessibility within proposed developments. 
• Ensure compliance with local and regional urban planning regulations, zoning requirements, and development control standards. 
• Integrate climate-resilient urban planning strategies such as flood risk management, green infrastructure, and sustainable mobility systems. 
• Identify planning gaps and provide recommendations to improve spatial design, livability, and long-term sustainability of projects. 
• Support developers in securing necessary planning approvals and permits. 

B. Technical and Commercial Due Diligence (TCDD) Coordination

• Review urban planning components of project submissions during TCDD processes. 
• Assess site suitability, land use compliance, infrastructure availability, and environmental considerations. 
• Validate planning documentation including master plans, zoning analyses, and infrastructure layouts. 
• Provide urban planning insights to TCDD consultants to ensure consistency and quality of technical assessments. 
• Participate in site visits to assess contextual and spatial factors affecting project viability. 

C. Transaction Support and Financial Close

• Provide urban planning inputs into technical appraisals and investment memoranda. 
• Evaluate planning risks, regulatory constraints, and infrastructure requirements that may impact project bankability. 
• Support the transaction team (Transactors, Legal, E&S) in resolving planning-related issues identified during due diligence. 
• Contribute to internal investment discussions by presenting planning assessments and recommendations. 

D. Project Implementation and Monitoring

• Review implementation progress to ensure alignment with approved master plans and planning approvals. 
• Assess and validate any proposed changes to land use, layouts, or infrastructure plans during project execution. 
• Conduct periodic site inspections to monitor compliance with planning standards and sustainability objectives. 
• Identify planning-related risks or deviations and recommend corrective actions. 

E. Capacity Building and Knowledge Support

• Support development of urban planning guidelines, land use frameworks, and spatial standards for affordable housing. 
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives on sustainable urban development and climate resilience. 
• Document lessons learned to strengthen InfraCredit’s planning review and due diligence processes. 
• Support development of e-learning modules focused on urban planning for green affordable housing projects.

Deliverables:

The Urban Planner shall be responsible for providing the following key deliverables:

1. Urban Planning Review and Appraisal Reports
   • Detailed assessments of master plan, land use proposals, and spatial layouts.
   • Recommendations for improved planning efficiency, compliance, and sustainability.
2. Validated Planning Documentation
   • Verified Master Plans and Land Use frameworks aligned with regulatory and sustainability requirements.
   • Planning coordination reports ensuring integration across disciplines.
3. Technical and Commercial Due Diligence (TCDD) Contributions
   • Urban planning inputs within TCDD reports covering land use, infrastructure, and spatial viability.
   • Responses to planning-related queries during due diligence processes.
4. Transaction Support Documents
   • Planning components of technical appraisals and investment memoranda
   • Risk assessments relating to planning approvals, land use, and infrastructure
5. Project Monitoring and Site Review Reports
   • Site visit reports on planning compliance and implementation progress.
   • Reports on planning deviations and recommended corrective measures.
6. Design and Sustainability Tools
   • Contributions to InfraCredit’s internal housing design templates, spatial standards, and climate-resilient design guidelines.
   • Documentation of lessons learned and recommendations to improve InfraCredit’s planning processes.

Expected Outcomes/Results:

The workstream is expected to deliver the following outcomes:

1. Improved spatial planning, livability, and sustainability of housing developments under InfraCredit’s Green Affordable Housing Funding Programme.
2. Increased number of housing projects achieving planning readiness and reaching faster financial close.
3. Strengthened integration of climate-resilient green building and urban development principles in housing project design and implementation.
4. Improved coordination between housing projects and broader urban systems.
5. Development of standardized planning tools, templates, and guidelines to improve consistency across projects.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Candidates for the role should meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field. 
• Professional certification and membership with a recognized body (e.g., Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), TOPREC) (mandatory). 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in urban planning, land use planning, or housing development. 
• Strong experience in master planning, development control, and regulatory compliance. 
• Familiarity with sustainable urban development and climate resilience strategies. 
• Experience participating in Technical and Commercial Due Diligence (TCDD) processes. 
• Knowledge of local planning laws, zoning regulations, and approval processes. 
• Proficiency in planning and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and project management software. 
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.