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Urban Planner II - Job Opportunity at AECOM

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
Based on the mid-level experience requirements, Abu Dhabi location, and AECOM's market position as a Fortune 500 infrastructure leader, the salary range is likely between AED 180,000 to AED 280,000 annually (approximately USD 49,000 to USD 76,000), with additional benefits including housing allowances, transportation, and tax-free income typical for expatriate professionals in the UAE. The compensation package likely includes performance bonuses and comprehensive expatriate benefits that significantly enhance the total value proposition.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage providing extensive healthcare security in the Middle East market
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment coverage offering financial protection for international assignments
Disability benefits ensuring income protection in a competitive consulting environment
Generous paid time off and leave policies supporting work-life balance in demanding project cycles
Flexible work options enabling hybrid arrangements common in modern infrastructure consulting
Employee assistance programs providing mental health and wellness support for high-pressure environments
Business travel insurance covering extensive international project work
Service recognition awards acknowledging contributions to global infrastructure projects
Retirement savings plan with potential employer matching for long-term financial security
Employee stock purchase plan providing equity participation in a Fortune 500 infrastructure leader
Professional development and training programs enhancing technical expertise and leadership capabilities

Key Responsibilities

Lead technical expertise delivery across strategic planning, land use planning, and master planning projects, directly influencing urban development outcomes for major Middle Eastern cities
Collaborate within elite multi-disciplinary teams comprising planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and engineers to shape transformative land development and strategic planning initiatives
Create and deliver high-impact presentations to government stakeholders, clients, and approving agencies, directly advancing project approvals and policy implementations
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies and regulatory authorities, positioning the organization as a trusted advisor in regional development
Ensure adherence to rigorous quality assurance standards that maintain AECOM's reputation as the world's leading infrastructure consulting firm
Drive business development initiatives alongside senior leadership, identifying and pursuing opportunities that expand the organization's market presence
Develop compelling proposals and qualification documents that secure new assignments and contribute to revenue growth
Participate in strategic talent acquisition efforts, helping build world-class planning teams in the competitive Middle East market
Provide executive support across the Strategic Planning and Economic Development Team, contributing to organizational excellence and client satisfaction
Serve as a key organizational representative, building and managing critical relationships with clients and local authorities that drive long-term partnerships

Requirements

Education

Bachelor or Masters Degree in Urban Planning and/or a related discipline (for example: economics, geography, urban design, architecture)

Experience

3-5 years' experience in Urban Planning; applicants would ideally have a mixture of private sector and some government

Required Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills Microsoft Office proficiency Adobe Suite proficiency Strong analytical skills in spatial and strategic planning Project coordination capabilities Urban economics knowledge (highly desirable) Housing expertise (highly desirable) Adaptability and detail-orientation Independent and team collaboration abilities Ability to work within tight project deadlines

Certifications

Driver's License
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Industry Trends

The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented urban development driven by economic diversification initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and UAE's strategic development plans, creating massive demand for experienced urban planners who can navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering innovative solutions. This trend is particularly strong in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries where governments are investing heavily in smart city initiatives, sustainable urban development, and mega-project implementations. Infrastructure consulting firms are increasingly focusing on integrated planning approaches that combine traditional urban planning with economic development, sustainability frameworks, and smart city technologies, requiring planners who can work across multiple disciplines and understand the interconnected nature of modern urban systems. There is growing emphasis on contextually responsive urban planning in the Middle East, as cities seek to balance rapid modernization with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability, creating opportunities for planners who understand both international best practices and local cultural nuances.

Role Significance

The role operates within AECOM's collaborative studio environment, typically involving teams of 8-15 professionals including senior planners, urban designers, landscape architects, engineers, and project managers. The position reports to Associate Principals and works closely with multi-disciplinary teams, suggesting a structure where the Urban Planner II serves as a key technical contributor while mentoring junior staff and coordinating with peer-level professionals across disciplines.
This Urban Planner II position represents a mid-level role with significant individual contributor responsibilities and growing leadership opportunities. The role involves direct client interaction, government liaison activities, and participation in business development, indicating a position that bridges technical execution with strategic thinking. The involvement in proposal development and staff recruitment suggests this role serves as a pipeline to senior planning positions within AECOM's hierarchy.

Key Projects

City-scale strategic planning initiatives for major Middle Eastern urban centers, including comprehensive development frameworks for new districts and urban expansion areas Master planning projects for mixed-use developments, economic zones, and residential communities that integrate with broader regional development strategies Strategic planning studies for government clients focusing on economic diversification, housing policy development, and sustainable urban growth frameworks Urban design initiatives that balance modern development requirements with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability goals

Success Factors

Deep understanding of Middle Eastern regulatory environments and government approval processes, combined with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining project momentum and client satisfaction in culturally diverse settings Strong technical competency in spatial analysis, strategic planning methodologies, and urban economics, with the ability to translate complex planning concepts into actionable recommendations that align with both client objectives and regulatory requirements Exceptional communication and presentation skills that enable effective engagement with government officials, community stakeholders, and international clients, while building consensus around planning solutions that may involve competing interests and priorities Adaptability and cultural sensitivity essential for working in the diverse, fast-paced Middle Eastern market where project requirements can evolve rapidly and where understanding local customs and business practices is critical for professional success

Market Demand

High demand driven by the Middle East's massive infrastructure investment surge, with the UAE alone investing over USD 70 billion in infrastructure projects through 2030. The region's focus on economic diversification, smart city development, and sustainable urban growth creates exceptional opportunities for experienced urban planners, particularly those with mixed private-public sector experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills are fundamental for success in this role due to the necessity of presenting complex planning concepts to diverse stakeholder groups including government officials, international clients, and community representatives. The ability to articulate planning solutions clearly and persuasively directly impacts project approval rates and client satisfaction. Strong analytical skills in spatial and strategic planning form the technical foundation for this position, enabling the professional to develop data-driven solutions that address complex urban challenges while meeting regulatory requirements and client objectives. These skills are essential for credibility with both clients and regulatory agencies. Adaptability and detail-orientation are crucial given the dynamic nature of Middle Eastern development projects where requirements can evolve rapidly due to changing government priorities, market conditions, or regulatory updates. Success requires the ability to maintain quality while adjusting to new parameters.

Beneficial Skills

Urban economics expertise provides significant competitive advantage in a market where planning decisions increasingly require understanding of economic impacts, development feasibility, and market dynamics. This knowledge enables more sophisticated analysis and recommendations that align with client business objectives. Housing policy and development experience offers valuable specialization in a region where residential development represents a major component of urban growth, particularly as governments focus on affordable housing initiatives and demographic transitions. Government sector experience enhances effectiveness in navigating regulatory processes and building relationships with approving agencies, while private sector experience provides essential understanding of commercial development requirements and constraints.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on transformative urban development projects in one of the world's fastest-growing regions, with direct involvement in shaping cities that will influence regional development patterns for decades to come
Access to AECOM's global network of technical experts and cutting-edge planning technologies, providing resources and knowledge sharing opportunities that enhance professional development and project outcomes
Direct engagement with government agencies and high-level stakeholders in the UAE's development ecosystem, offering invaluable experience in navigating complex regulatory environments and building relationships that can define career trajectories
Integration of urban economics and housing expertise requirements, reflecting AECOM's sophisticated approach to planning that goes beyond traditional land use planning to encompass comprehensive economic development strategies

Career Growth

Career advancement to senior planning roles typically occurs within 3-4 years for high-performing professionals who demonstrate strong client relationship management and technical leadership. Progression to Associate Principal level generally requires 5-7 years of combined experience with demonstrated business development success and team leadership capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Urban Planner or Principal Planner positions within AECOM's regional or global offices, involving increased project leadership responsibilities and strategic client relationship management Associate Principal - Urban Planning roles focusing on business development, team leadership, and strategic planning practice development in high-growth markets Regional Planning Director positions overseeing multiple projects and teams across the Middle East and North Africa region Independent consulting opportunities or leadership roles with government agencies, given the strong relationships and regulatory expertise developed in this position

Company Overview

AECOM

AECOM stands as the world's premier infrastructure consulting firm with over 50,000 employees globally and fiscal year 2024 revenue of $16.1 billion. The company operates as a trusted advisor to governments and private sector clients, delivering comprehensive solutions across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings sectors. AECOM's global reach and technical depth position it uniquely to handle the world's most complex infrastructure challenges while building lasting legacies for future generations.

As a Fortune 500 company and the recognized global infrastructure leader, AECOM maintains dominant market positions across key sectors and geographic regions. The company's ability to deliver integrated solutions from advisory and planning through construction management provides competitive advantages that smaller firms cannot match, while its scale enables investment in cutting-edge technology and top-tier talent acquisition.
AECOM's Abu Dhabi office serves as a strategic hub for the company's Middle East and North Africa operations, supporting major government clients and private developers across the region. The office's location positions it at the center of the region's infrastructure boom, with direct access to decision-makers driving billions of dollars in development projects and urban transformation initiatives.
AECOM fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture that emphasizes global knowledge sharing while respecting local market expertise. The company's commitment to delivering a better world creates a mission-driven environment where professionals work on projects with tangible positive impacts, while comprehensive training programs and international mobility opportunities support continuous career development.
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