Call for Applicants: 1st WHO Training on Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit (Online + Free Participation)

Deadline for Submission: 17 May 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) is excited to announce the first-ever online training on the Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit.

This training is designed for professionals working in urban health, offering a comprehensive understanding of the tools and strategies needed to address urban health challenges through cross-sectoral collaboration.

The training is structured over four online sessions, with each session lasting 1.5 hours, followed by 4 hours of offline preparation. It will run on 13, 20, 27 June, and 4 July 2025.

Training Overview

Urban health refers to the health of people living in cities, where factors such as rapid urbanization, socio-economic disparities, and environmental challenges directly impact public health outcomes. The Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit equips policymakers and practitioners across all sectors with the necessary tools to assess and strengthen their capacities for collaborative urban health action.

This training offers valuable insights into how cross-sectoral teams can work together to achieve shared urban health goals.

The training is designed for teams of urban practitioners as well as experienced facilitators of multi-sectoral urban health processes. Teams must be composed of 3-4 individuals, representing at least two different sectors, such as health, environment, infrastructure, safety, or food systems. Facilitators should have experience in leading multi-sectoral processes with a close relationship to local governments or similar institutions.

Training Objectives

Primary Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the essential cross-disciplinary capacities needed for effective urban health action and policymaking.
• Develop the knowledge and skills to utilize the Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit for practical urban health applications.

Specific Objectives:

• Build a professional network of individuals skilled in applying the Resource Kit.
• Strengthen the ability to identify, assess, and address urban health challenges through a capacity-based approach.
• Foster collaboration and peer-to-peer learning among urban health professionals from various sectors.

Key Training Topics

The training will cover the following key aspects of urban health:

• Informed Decision-Making, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Utilizing evidence and data to inform urban health policies and decisions.
• Policy Coherence and Multi-Sectoral Governance: Strengthening governance structures and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
• Sustainable Financing and Resource Mobilization: Identifying funding opportunities and strategic investments for urban health.
• Partnerships and Participation: Engaging stakeholders in urban health initiatives and building collaborative partnerships.

Target Competencies

Participants will gain the ability to:

• Conduct urban health capacity assessments using the Resource Kit.
• Identify capacity gaps and strengths within urban systems.
• Develop actionable, context-specific response strategies.
• Work collaboratively across sectors to solve urban health challenges.
• Apply participatory processes to improve urban governance.
• Integrate health equity into urban health policies and interventions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Professionals working in urban health-related areas:
  • Policymakers in public health or other urban health sectors.
  • Urban practitioners working in areas influencing health (e.g., transportation, housing, infrastructure, economy, safety).
• Experience and qualifications:
  • At least 5+ years of experience in the field or 3+ years with an advanced degree.
  • A bachelor’s level degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience facilitating multi-sectoral processes and collaborating across sectors.
• Team Applications:
  • Teams must consist of 3-4 members, from at least two different sectors (e.g., health, transportation, environment) or organizations (e.g., local government, civil society).

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following:

1. Letter of Interest (max. 500 words): Outline relevant experience and motivation for participating.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Personal Video Statement (max. 5 minutes): Answer the following questions:
   • Why do you want to participate in this training and apply the Resource Kit?
   • Answer two of the following scenario-based questions:
     • Describe an urban health multi-sectoral project you’ve worked on. What was the objective, and how was it implemented?
     • Describe a challenge you faced in facilitating a multi-sectoral project and how you addressed it.
     • Describe your strengths and skills related to this training. How have you developed them, and how have you applied them in the past?

Submission Instructions: Send your application (letter of interest, CV, and video statement) to [email protected] (cc. [email protected]) with the subject line: “Urban Health Capacities Training Application” by 17 May 2025.

Additional Information

• Participation is free.
• The training will be conducted in English.
• Women and professionals from low- and middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply.
• For inquiries, contact Francisco Obando at: [email protected].

This training presents an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, engage with a community of urban health professionals, and contribute to the sustainable development of urban health in cities worldwide. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your skills in creating healthier, more equitable urban environments.

Mark your calendars!

The application deadline is 17 May 2025.

Apply now and join the WHO’s online training to strengthen your ability to tackle urban health challenges through collaborative, cross-sectoral strategies.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the training entity. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding