Green jobs: You ask, we answer

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Today’s newsletter is dedicated to answering your questions.

P.S. From time to time, I will address questions you may have about green jobs and the green economy. 

Feel free to hit reply to this newsletter and send in your questions, or post them on our social media channels. I will do my best to answer them.

Now, let’s get into today’s newsletter.

Q: What are green jobs
A: These are jobs across various sectors i.e renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green transportation (Electric vehicles), clean manufacturing, green construction, and efficient waste management and recycling, ecotourism and environmental consulting. 

A green job is a decent job that contributes to the preservation or restoration of the environment. These jobs help build a sustainable economy by reducing energy and resource consumption, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and pollution, and protecting ecosystems.

Examples of African companies considered green include: 

• Sun king - A pay-as-you-go solar energy company providing affordable solar home systems and lanterns to off-grid households.

• Sistema.bio - A social enterprise producing biodigesters that convert animal manure into biogas for energy and a natural fertiliser.

• Wecyclers (Nigeria): A social enterprise focused on incentivised recycling by collecting recyclable waste from households and turning it into useful products.

• African Honey Products (Malawi): Supplies beekeeping equipment, training, and market access to farmers, while supporting forest restoration.

• Spiro: Manufactures electric motorcycles and scooters, promoting sustainable transport through local assembly.

These companies function like any other business, but their initiatives are environmentally sustainable.
They hire professionals from different fields. E.g Communications, HR, Finance/Accounts, operations/production, IT, R&D among others.

Q: Can communication experts find something to do there?
A: Yes, green companies need communication professionals. People who can work in PR, marketing, social media and more.

Q: I have a diploma in Criminology. How can I help? Am I needed to maybe have another course?
A: If you want to move into technical roles like solar panel installation, renewable engineering, or environmental science, then yes, you will need additional training. A short certification could help you bridge your criminology background into green industries.

Alternatively, your criminology background fits well in areas such as environmental law enforcement (illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, pollution, corporate environmental crime), policy and compliance roles, or CSR and ethics. In these areas, you may not need extra training.

Q: Do you have opportunities for creatives, i.e graphics and ui/ux
A:  Many green companies hire creatives, but at Green Jobs Rising we do not have such openings at the moment.

Q: What skills does one need in order to secure a green job now / in the future
A: As mentioned earlier, a green job is not a single company but a type of role within companies with sustainable initiatives. The skills you need depend on your background and desired role. For example, someone with a background in IT may apply their skills in the IT department in a green company, while someone in finance can work in the finance department.

Q: I have a BA in integrated community development
A: This fits in very well. We are talking about building a sustainable community where people and the environment thrive together.

You can upskill yourself with green skills, which are any skills that support environmental sustainability. This will allow you to empower local people with these skills too. Communities can participate in and own projects such as sustainable farming, waste recycling, solar farms, or biogas plants. This keeps benefits local while linking job creation to environmental sustainability.

Q: I have a BSc Agricultural Extension education. Can I work there?
A: Yes, your degree is a great fit in the agriculture sector. Look into companies such as Apollo Agriculture, Syngenta, GIZ, or NGOs that work in sustainable agriculture. 

Q: I have a Bsc in Biostatistics. Is this relevant in that space?
A: Yes, very much. Your skills are valuable in research institutions, international NGOs, UN agencies, climate and green tech companies, and government agencies. You can support evidence-based decision-making, data analysis, and program evaluation.

Q: How can I access these jobs
A: You will find many of these jobs, updated daily on our job board. Click here.