Assistant Planning officer

The job incumbent is expected to undertake the following duties amongst others:-

• Assisting in the preparation, analysis, monitoring and implementation of plans, policies, reports and documents on matters relating to strategic and local and subsidiary planning , including the formulation of development briefs; participation in monitoring and review of the Structure Plan; in the preparation, monitoring and review of other subsidiary plans; and in the evaluation of policies, reports, plans etc;
• Processing applications for development permission including preparing draft reports with recommendations for the Director of Planning, the Development Control Commission or Malta Environment and Planning Authority and Planning Appeals Board as appropriate, and presentation of applications before the DCC as necessary;
• Preparing statements on requests for reconsiderations and appeals and, representing the Director of Planning at appeal hearings, as necessary;
• Preparing and assisting in the preparation and implementation of planning studies, plans, policies, reports, documents, surveys, data collation, mapping, information analysis and advice relating to any planning issue or matter concerned with the functions of the Unit;
• As necessary, attending meetings of the Authority, committees, public meetings, exhibitions or other functions in support of or representing the Director of Planning;
• Regularly, monitoring development underway to ensure that it is undertaken in accordance with a permission granted, detecting unauthorised development and issuing of development certificates of completion as appropriate;
• Maintaining all necessary case files, reports, and system updates on MEPA’s database;
• Investigating complaints and alleged breaches of conditions imposed in development permits and drafting of relative responses to complainants;
• Giving advice and conducting discussions/negotiations on appropriate measures to rectify/regularise position with those potentially in breach of planning control;
• Preparing reports, taking photographs and compiling site history including maintaining, up-to-date procedural and statistical information;
• Liaise closely with legal counsel on court procedures and give evidence in court or other similar fora;
• Carrying out related subsidiary and ancillary tasks within the normal flexibility of the job.

• First degree in planning or in a discipline related to planning or to one of the Planning Directorate's specialised areas of work or qualified as architect & civil engineer with at least some land use planning experience.  

Skills:

• Skills in research and information analysis;
• Communication and interpersonal skills;
• Creative skills in identifying solutions to planning issues;
• Time management;
• Quality control and monitoring;
• Report Writing Skills including the ability to deal with pressure and abuse, and act with tact and firmness in challenging situations.

Certificates:

• Candidates are to present scanned copies of all qualifications with their application together with proof of local equivalence, for certificates that are not issued by MCAST or the University of Malta, which documentation is issued by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE). Candidates who are in possession of a foreign degree/s, are also to present a translated copy of their degree in English, by the closing date for submissions.

*The above post is for an indefinite period. Interested candidates are advised to submit their application, together with a detailed curriculum vitae in pdf format by no later than
Sunday, 17th October 2021.

Planning Authority:
The Planning Authority (PA) is the national agency responsible for implementing a holistic integrated planning system that ensures the sustainable management of land and sea resources together with the protection of the environment and our cultural heritage. The Authority offers a diverse range of career opportunities within a large organisation and provides exciting possibilities for the right candidates to give a valid contribution toward the future growth of the country.