Education:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.

About the Organization
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN agency mandated to protect and assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence.

Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, delivering life-saving protection, shelter, and essential services to millions of displaced and stateless individuals.

UNHCR works to ensure dignity, safety, and long-term solutions for vulnerable populations through coordinated humanitarian action and sustainable settlement planning.

In Ethiopia, UNHCR supports large refugee and internally displaced populations, working closely with government authorities, humanitarian partners, and host communities.

The organization promotes diversity, inclusion, accountability, and professional excellence across all levels of its workforce.

Job Description
The Site Planning Officer plays a critical role in designing, coordinating, and overseeing humanitarian settlement and infrastructure projects across diverse operational contexts.

The position supports both emergency and protracted refugee operations by ensuring that settlement planning processes are technically sound, forward-looking, and aligned with sustainable development principles.

The role ensures that site selection, land use planning, and infrastructure development are based on accurate data and risk assessments, including environmental, hydrological, and demographic considerations.

The officer develops and updates comprehensive settlement master plans to guide organized and sustainable site development.

The position ensures that settlement layouts reflect natural topography, drainage patterns, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency.

The role promotes equitable access to essential services such as water, sanitation, education, health facilities, and transportation networks for displaced and host communities.

The officer actively supports the inclusion of women, youth, elderly persons, and individuals with specific needs in planning and decision-making processes.

The role coordinates closely with protection, WASH, shelter, health, education, energy, and environmental teams to ensure integrated multi-sectoral planning.

The Site Planning Officer represents UNHCR in land negotiations and discussions with national and local authorities, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and land tenure considerations.

The position contributes to contingency planning and preparedness strategies to respond effectively to population movements and emergencies.

The officer monitors settlement and infrastructure works to ensure implementation aligns with approved plans, timelines, and budgets.

The role contributes to resource mobilization efforts by providing technical inputs to proposals and advocacy initiatives.

The position supports risk identification and mitigation to prevent delays, cost overruns, or non-compliance issues.

This role has a strong impact on improving living conditions, enhancing resilience, and promoting peaceful coexistence between displaced and host communities.

Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.

Advanced academic qualifications are advantageous and may reduce the required years of professional experience.

Professional training in settlement planning, infrastructure development, GIS, or related technical disciplines is highly desirable.

Work Experience
Candidates must have at least six years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, five years with a graduate degree, or four years with a doctorate.

Proven experience in humanitarian settlement planning, infrastructure design, or related technical fields is required.

Experience managing or guiding specialist teams in emergency or protracted operational environments is essential.

Demonstrated ability to prepare technical drawings, master plans, bills of quantities, and infrastructure specifications is required.

Previous experience using GIS tools and technical planning software is necessary.

Experience in shelter, settlement, and infrastructure projects within humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies
Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and other settlement planning software.

Knowledge of GIS technology and spatial data analysis.

Strong coordination and cross-cultural communication skills.

Understanding of camp coordination and camp management principles.

Excellent presentation, reporting, and documentation skills.

Solid computer literacy and familiarity with UN program management processes.

Knowledge of environmental assessment and sustainable planning approaches.

Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Commitment to rights-based and community-centered planning approaches.

Fluency in English and knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station is required.

Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The position may require coordination with field operations and engagement with multiple stakeholders across different regions.

Employment Type and Salary
Full-time position.

Contract Type: UNOPS IICA2.

Hardship Level: B.

Family Duty Station.

Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with UNHCR policies and the applicable professional grade.

This role offers significant professional development opportunities within a global humanitarian organization. Staff gain exposure to international best practices in settlement planning, infrastructure development, and emergency response coordination.

The position provides opportunities to engage with high-level government stakeholders, global experts, and multi-sectoral humanitarian actors, strengthening both technical and leadership competencies.

How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through the official UNHCR online recruitment platform using Job Requisition ID JR2664762.

Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

The application deadline is March 15, 2026.

Applicants are advised to complete their online profiles carefully and ensure all required information is included in the application form.

Scanned certificates or attachments are not required at the initial application stage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

UNHCR strongly encourages qualified women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful working environment for all employees.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure they meet the eligibility requirements before submitting their application.

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