The profession of urban policy consultant
The Urban Policy Consultant designs and evolves urban spaces. Their actions aim to make cities more sustainable, inclusive, and enjoyable for all users.
Both a strategist and a field expert, they anticipate the societal, technological, economic, ecological, and tourism impacts of actions desired by local public policies. This urban planning expert considers both the users and elected officials, reconciling their expectations to tackle urban transitions and ensure that projects are adopted by those living in the city daily.
The Master's in Public Policy at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL prepares students for the role of Urban Policy Consultant. This program enables future consultants to understand, design, and implement effective urban strategies for territorial planning in all its complexity.
Words from our alumni
"No two days are the same in the
job of an Urban Policy Consultant!"
What does the job of an Urban Policy Consultant involve on a daily basis?
As a consultant, I provide project management assistance to public sector actors (local authorities and the State) and semi-public companies (SNCF, RATP…), helping them define and guide their strategic decisions.
More specifically, I work on consolidating diagnostics or territorial analyses and submit work scenarios to our clients, offering expertise on complex issues. Additionally, with the rise of citizen participation in public policy design, we also play the role of mediator and coordinator between all stakeholders.
What aspect of this job interests you the most?
No two days are the same as a consultant! Between traveling across France, client meetings, and fieldwork, this job definitely offers the most versatility!
Why did you choose Université Paris Dauphine-PSL for your training?
Due to its prestige and reputation, Université Paris Dauphine-PSL strives to provide its students with excellence through multidisciplinary teaching.
What is THE essential skill that the Master's in Urban Policies and Territorial Governance gave you for a career in this sector, and that you still use today?
The philosophy behind the teachings at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL helped me develop two key skills and qualities essential for my consulting job: rigor and openness to others.
CLEMENT MAINI
URBAN POLICY CONSULTANT - EGIS
His background:
Master's in Urban Policies and Territorial Governance
Role and responsibilities of an urban policy consultant
The Urban Policy Consultant can undertake two types of missions: strategic urban planning (urban studies, local planning…) or operational urban management (regulatory application and project oversight). In either case, this urban planning professional will be responsible for multiple tasks such as:
Daily tasks
- Develop analytical tools for socio-economic dynamics to conduct territorial studies and diagnostics
- Facilitate urban consultations
- Create local planning documents: SCOT, PLU, PLH...
- Design territorial development plans
- Present urban development proposals to all stakeholders, in alignment with various local public policies
- Engage and inform elected officials and users on the project's progress
- Select professionals to execute territorial development projects
- Ensure compliance with land laws and oversee the proper conduct of procedures
- Measure the impact of actions on user well-being, neighborhood foot traffic, and city vibrancy
Salaries and career progression
The median salary for an Urban Policy Consultant is €37,300 gross annually for graduates of the Master's in Public Policy at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL. An experienced or senior consultant can achieve salary growth and leverage their experience based on the success of their projects.
Urban Policy Consultants work in both private organizations (consulting firms, specialized consulting agencies) and within local governments, research institutions such as IRISSO and CNRS, or semi-public companies (HLM organizations, urban planning agencies).
Required skills
- Initiative-taking spirit
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Mastery of geolocated data and cartography
- Knowledge of urban policy issues and levers
- Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders throughout the project
- Rigor and organization
- Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Versatility and adaptability
- Change management skills
- Diplomacy to reconcile the often-diverging expectations of users and elected officials
- Strong curiosity for technological and architectural innovations that could revolutionize urban mobility, society, and housing in the future
What studies are required to become an urban policy consultant ?
Five years of post-secondary education are required to become an Urban Policy Consultant. Students must gain advanced knowledge in regulatory urban planning, public policies, and geolocated data analysis.
Training to become an Urban Policy Consultant at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL
Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a Master's in Public Policy to train high-level managers and experts in addressing the challenges of urban transformation. The Urban Policies and Territorial Governance specialization focuses on territorial diagnostics and urban project planning to prepare students for their future careers.
This program offers a very high level of employability: 100% of students in this Master's program find employment upon graduation.