With over 13.000 alumni worldwide, the IHS Alumni Network gathers international experts in urban development from across the globe. In this series we reconnect with some familiar faces and find out more about their professional path after graduation. Meet Stefan, who is currently working as a Carlo Schmid Fellow in the Global Public Space Programme, part of UN-Habitat’s Planning, Finance & Economy Section within the Global Solutions Division
Meet Stefan
Stefan graduated from IHS in 2024 with a Master’s degree in Urban Management and Development. His international background sparked an early interest in geography, land conflicts and inequality. During a voluntary year in Argentina, where he worked with the Latin American NGO TECHO in informal settlements, he further developed his motivation to study urban planning and development.
Part of a global classroom
After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Dortmund, Germany, Stefan started looking for a master’s programme that aligned with his international interests. When exploring programmes, he was drawn to the Dutch academic system for its applied approach and small-scale group work. Supported by a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), he joined IHS's global classroom.
Publishing his research
Guided and encouraged by his thesis supervisor, Dr Bahar Sakizlioglu, Stefan published his first article based on his master’s thesis. In this work, he explored social interactions in third places within the gentrifying neighbourhood of Katendrecht in Rotterdam. The publication process involved revising and condensing his thesis and responding to peer review, and the article was eventually published in the Berkeley Journal of Sociology.
Soon after his graduation, Stefan joined a nine-month postgraduate training at Germany’s Institute of Sustainability and Development (IDOS), where he gained experience in research and international development. This was followed by acceptance into a DAAD-supported fellowship, giving him the opportunity to be part of a paid internship programme in a multilateral organisation.
I saw the international setup of the IHS classroom with students from all over the world as a great opportunity for learning and exchanging.
Working in international urban development
Today, Stefan applies both his academic background and practical skills in his role at UN-Habitat headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. He works in the Planning and Finance Section as part of his fellowship programme, contributing across three teams: housing finance, comprehensive planning projects worldwide with the Urban Lab, and the global public space programme.
His responsibilities include literature research, drafting reports and concept notes, conducting spatial analysis using GIS, and supporting planning projects. In addition to these technical tasks, Stefan contributes to outreach materials, translating complex information into visually accessible presentations for broader audiences. A typical day combines meetings, project work, and networking with colleagues.
Working on inclusive urban projects
One of the projects he contributes to is the development of an EcoCity Masterplan in Eswatini, part of the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Program (MNWAP) project. This project aims to transform the southern region of Eswatini through major investments into irrigation systems and agro-industrial processing. The complementary EcoCity is designed to respond to the worker’s demand for housing and services in the MNWAP project area.
Another project is the development of the recently published SPACES, a guideline on designing children-friendly, inclusive public spaces. The guideline was developed jointly with World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, and its launch accompanied by an online event, with further webinars currently being planned. These spaces are created to be safe from physical and social risks, while encouraging play, learning, social interaction, and connection with nature. They are designed to offer supportive environments for children to grow, socialise, and engage with their communities, contributing directly to their health, resilience, and inclusion.
Looking ahead
Stefan reflects positively on his time at IHS, highlighting how the programme strengthened his resilience, sharpened his research skills, and helped him develop a specialised profile in socially-just housing and land policies. At the same time, he notes that the job market can be challenging, especially for fresh graduates. Navigating it requires a diversified approach that goes beyond academic qualifications to help find the right career opportunities.
His advice to students is to make the most of their time as a student: develop a clear area of specialisation, learn from peers with different backgrounds, and fully embrace the international experience.
