Be ready when opportunity knocks

Hey,

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

As this edition goes out on the Easter holiday, we’d like to wish you a joyful and restful Easter. May the season bring renewal and fresh opportunities in your career journey.

In today’s hiring advice edition, I had the chance to chat with Adewole Abiodun, the West and Central Africa Talent Acquisition Manager at SunKing. 

From his experience, I gained insights into the hiring landscape in these regions. 

Interestingly, in Nigeria, high unemployment has created a highly skilled workforce, especially in urban areas. 

This is because young people often explore other ventures while awaiting employment, therefore gaining valuable skills along the way.

Curious about how these trends affect hiring, I asked Adewole to share insights on the toughest roles to fill and advice for candidates across Africa.

Q: What roles are hardest to fill in the clean energy space?
A: Most roles are relatively easy to fill in urban areas due to a large talent pool, but rural positions, especially in renewable energy like solar home systems, are more challenging. For example, rural sales roles require confident communicators, while store executive candidates may have some experience but often lack basic digital skills such as Microsoft Office.

Opportunities exist, but preparation is key. Candidates with computer literacy and familiarity with essential tools are better positioned for these opportunities. Bilingual talent, particularly English-French speakers for Francophone markets, is also in high demand, as technical roles like product managers, data analysts, and engineers are harder to fill in these regions.

In South Africa, most technical roles are easier to fill, though there is a shortage of certified installers, such as electricians with a wireman’s license. Limited access to further education can also affect the talent pipeline.

Q: Based on these challenges, what advice would you give candidates across Africa to make their applications successful?

• Do not wait for opportunities to come to you. Prepare ahead of time. When opportunities appear, the key question is whether you are ready for them.

• Avoid waiting only for high-paying roles. Start where you can learn and add value. Early in my career, I took an HR internship that paid 15,000 Naira, while some of my peers earned much more. That experience gave me the exposure I needed to grow and access better opportunities later. Focus on building skills and experience, not just salary.

• Your attitude at work matters. Even in a difficult or imperfect work environment, maintain professionalism. How you handle situations can influence future opportunities.

• Invest in continuous learning. Upskilling through certifications, education, and learning from colleagues is essential. Opportunities can come unexpectedly, and preparation makes the difference.

• During interviews, confidence and communication stand out. You do not need perfect English, but you should be able to express your ideas clearly and confidently. Be honest, but also thoughtful in how you share your experiences. For example, when discussing past roles, avoid speaking negatively without context. Instead, frame your experiences in a professional and constructive way.

For more guidance, check out the HR video below on instagram with key insights on CV tailoring.