No lab coat? no problem

Jump into climate–health careers without a medical degree

Hey,

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

In today’s newsletter: How can young African professionals position themselves for jobs in the climate-health space?

Many roles in the sector do require a medical background. 

But what if you don’t have that background and are still interested? Is there anything you can do to break in?

The answer is yes.

There are plenty of roles that only require passion and skill. 

Which roles are these? Let’s take a look: 

  • Community & grassroots roles – these involve working directly with communities to raise awareness, support adaptation projects, and mobilise people for climate–health initiatives.
    Roles within this can include community health & climate outreach officers, community mobilisers / field officers, and youth climate ambassadors.

  • Delivery & logistics – these roles focus on the movement and management of essential health and relief supplies, ensuring communities remain supported even with climate challenges.
    Roles here include medical supplies rider / driver, green logistics assistant, relief supplies packager / distributor, and warehouse & distribution support.

  • Support roles in the health system – these involve helping health systems and facilities adapt to climate impacts and improve access to basic services.
    Roles include hospital sustainability assistant, water & sanitation field worker, and hospital staff volunteers.

  • Awareness & youth engagement – these roles focus on educating, mobilising, and inspiring others, especially young people, to take action on climate–health issues.
    Roles within this include peer educator and youth volunteer.

These are hands-on, visible, and accessible roles, often offered by NGOs, local governments, or youth-led organisations. 

But these aren’t the only opportunities. Professionals with backgrounds in communication, tech, policy/advocacy, research/data among others, can also bring their skills directly into the field.

So, how can you break into the field?

  • Fellowships & internships – join in to build experience and networks.

  • Graduate trainee programmes – these are structured entry points into organisations.

  • Volunteering – start small, contribute locally, and grow.

  • Networking – join professional groups and youth movements.

  • Skill-boosters – take short courses in climate & health. There are several available online, and many are free.

Here are a few job opportunities in the healthcare system you can apply for:

This is but a few jobs you can find on our job board. Go there now for more jobs in the climate space.

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