2nd WHO Training on Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Kit

About the opportunity

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an online training course on the use of the Urban health capacities assessment and response resource kit. Urban health refers to the health of urban dwellers and to the wholistic and intersectoral way of working in urban environments that positively influences health. The Kit equips policymakers and practitioners in any sector with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess and strengthen capacities to work collaboratively across sectors to achieve urban goals in a way that benefits health. Rapid urbanization, climate change, and socio-economic inequities pose challenges to urban health. The Resource Kit helps multi-sectoral teams identify strengths and gaps in their capacities and develop response strategies that enhance health and wellbeing in urban settings.

Funding and benefits

• Participation in the training is free of charge.
• Participants who meet attendance and engagement requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
• Build a cohort of professionals skilled in applying the Urban health capacities assessment and response resource kit.
• Strengthen participants' ability to identify, assess, and address urban health challenges through a capacity-based approach.
• Foster collaboration among professionals working in urban health and facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

Who can apply?

• Professionals working in policy-making (public health or any fields related to urban health) or city practitioners influencing urban change (e.g., transport and mobility, housing, infrastructure, economy, security).
• Applicants should have at least 5+ years of experience in their field of work or 3+ years and an advanced degree.
• Should have a bachelor's level university degree.
• Experience working in multi-sectoral settings and facilitating multi-sectoral processes.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in urban health and capacity building.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Teams: Preference will be given to teams. A team should be composed of 3–4 individuals from at least two different sectors (e.g., public health and transportation) or organizations sharing a common urban health goal.
• Individuals: Experienced facilitators of multi-sectoral processes with a close working relationship with a local government.

Required documents

• Letter of interest (maximum 500 words) outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal video statement (maximum 5 minutes) responding to motivation questions and scenario-based questions.

When to apply

• Deadline for submissions: 4 September 2026.
• Online training takes place over 4 weeks on 17, 24 September and 1, 8 October 2026.

How to apply

• Prepare your letter of interest, CV, and personal video statement.
• Send your complete application to urbanhealth@who.int with a copy to obandof@who.int and macauleym@who.int.
• Ensure the subject line reads: "Urban health capacities Training Application".

Additional information

• The working language of the training is English.
• Women and professionals from low- and middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply.
• Expected number of participants is approximately 50.
• Delivery takes place online via Zoom, including expert presentations, breakout discussions, and interactive exercises requiring 4 sessions of 2 hours each plus 4 to 6 hours of off-line preparation.