JOB DESCRIPTION

AECOM are currently seeking a Senior Associate - Spatial Planning, to join our Urbanism + Planning practice, based in Dubai. The role involves leading the development of strategic land use and masterplanning projects across a variety of sectors, with a strong focus on aligning proposals with planning frameworks. The position requires managing complex projects from early-stage feasibility through to detailed spatial strategies, ensuring integration of transport, infrastructure, housing, and environmental considerations. The Senior Associate is expected to work closely with government stakeholders, developers, and multidisciplinary teams to guide planning policy, zoning, and urban growth in a sustainable and contextually appropriate manner.

Responsibilities:

• Develop long-term plans for land use and urban growth.
• Align spatial plans with national or regional development goals and sustainability targets.
• Draft and implement planning policies, frameworks, and guidelines.
• Interpret and apply planning legislation, zoning regulations, and building codes.
• Conduct site assessments considering environmental, social, and economic constraints.
• Evaluate the suitability of land for proposed developments or infrastructure.
• Consult with local authorities, developers, community groups, and government bodies.
• Facilitate public consultations and workshops to gather input and foster buy-in.
• Prepare regional plans, masterplans, urban design frameworks, and development briefs.
• Integrate transport, infrastructure, housing, and environmental planning into cohesive proposals.
• Use GIS and mapping tools to assess spatial relationships, land use patterns, and growth trends.
• Visualise data to inform decision-making and communication.
• Assess the potential impacts of proposed developments on communities and ecosystems.
• Ensure sustainability and resilience are embedded in planning strategies.
• Work closely with architects, transport planners, engineers, and economists to deliver integrated solutions.
• Coordinate across different departments or sectors (e.g. housing, infrastructure, environment).

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning or Geography is required.
• 14+ years experience in Urban Planning

• Develop long-term plans for land use and urban growth.
• Align spatial plans with national or regional development goals and sustainability targets.
• Draft and implement planning policies, frameworks, and guidelines.
• Interpret and apply planning legislation, zoning regulations, and building codes.
• Conduct site assessments considering environmental, social, and economic constraints.
• Evaluate the suitability of land for proposed developments or infrastructure.
• Consult with local authorities, developers, community groups, and government bodies.
• Facilitate public consultations and workshops to gather input and foster buy-in.
• Prepare regional plans, masterplans, urban design frameworks, and development briefs.
• Integrate transport, infrastructure, housing, and environmental planning into cohesive proposals.
• Use GIS and mapping tools to assess spatial relationships, land use patterns, and growth trends.
• Visualise data to inform decision-making and communication.
• Assess the potential impacts of proposed developments on communities and ecosystems.
• Ensure sustainability and resilience are embedded in planning strategies.
• Work closely with architects, transport planners, engineers, and economists to deliver integrated solutions.
• Coordinate across different departments or sectors (e.g. housing, infrastructure, environment)