Want a remote job in sustainability?

Hey👋

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

Young professionals today are reshaping how work is done.

They want to make an impact, but they’re choosing more flexible, digital-first ways of working.

That shift is often misunderstood by older generations, who sometimes see it as laziness or a lack of skill.

But in reality, it’s a new kind of ambition.

What’s the biggest shift? The embrace of  remote work.

Now, while the sustainability space is starting to offer more flexible roles, remote opportunities come with their own set of challenges, especially for African talent:

• Many roles say "remote" but are only open to candidates based in the U.S., U.K., or E.U., which shuts out talent from other regions.

• Even junior roles often ask for hands-on project or policy experience in climate work, which is tough to get without access to in-person programs.

• A lot of these jobs are consultancy-based, making it hard for early-career professionals to break in without a track record.

• Pay inequality is a big issue. Some companies hire remotely from Africa but offer lower pay compared to Western-based colleagues, even when the job duties are the same.

• The gap is still wide - While sustainability is gaining ground in Africa, and more roles are opening up for African professionals. Most organisations still expect staff to be on site. Very few offer remote or hybrid setups.

Still, it is not gloom and doom.

If your goal is to land a remote role in the green sector, focus on building skills that make you stand out.

Consider volunteering with sustainability-focused nonprofits or taking free courses in climate leadership or ESG.

These steps help build credibility from wherever you are.

Also, be prepared.

Some organisations might want you onsite for the first few months to build trust before allowing a fully remote arrangement.

The good news? Remote jobs in sustainability do exist.

You just need to stay sharp, know where to look, and be ready to move when the opportunity shows up.

You belong in this space.

The planet needs your voice, and your skills.