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What it’s really like to work in green finance
A new hire Q&A with Catherine Nabirye on finance, impact, and finding purpose in the green sector
Hey 👋
Welcome to Green Jobs Rising! 🌱💼 Are you curious about a career in finance or the green sector? 💰🌍 This week’s interview with a newly hired finance pro gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to bring sustainability into the world of finance.
Plus, want to know who might be hiring soon? 🔍 We’ve got some silent signals for you below. 👀📈
⏳ Today’s reading time: 2 mins
New hire Q&A
You studied Business Administration at Makerere University. How did your education shape your career path?
My degree provided a solid foundation in finance, accounting, and business operations; however, transitioning into the workforce proved more challenging than I expected. I initially pursued roles in the insurance sector, securing an internship that introduced me to finance and administration. This experience helped me understand structured financial systems and business operations. Later, I joined a law firm as its first accountant, where I built financial processes from the ground up and eventually moved into a leadership role. However, while these roles strengthened my financial expertise, I began to feel the need for something more impactful beyond internal bookkeeping.
What led you to transition from traditional accounting roles to the green sector?
While working as an accountant in a law firm, I developed financial systems and managed a team, gaining valuable leadership experience. However, I wanted to contribute to a company creating real world impact rather than focusing solely on internal financial management. When I learned about Sistema. Bio and how finance played a key role in expanding biodigester technology, I saw an opportunity to apply my skills in a way that supported sustainability and economic empowerment.
What was your experience at Sistema?
I started as a finance and administration consultant, but as I grew in the role, I took on procurement and logistics responsibilities. This gave me firsthand experience with supply chain management, ensuring biodigesters reached farmers efficiently. The role challenged me to balance financial oversight with operational realities, and by March 2024, I was promoted to a full-time position. The experience broadened my strategic thinking and deepened my commitment to sustainability.
What sets finance roles in the green sector apart from traditional finance jobs?
In traditional finance roles, numbers often feel abstract. In the green sector, financial decisions directly impact sustainability efforts, from helping farmers access clean energy to ensuring that resources are used efficiently for long-term impact. Finance professionals don’t just manage budgets; they play a key role in scaling sustainable solutions and driving economic and environmental benefits.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in sustainability and the green sector?
Be disciplined. Whether you get noticed or not, it covers humility, respect, and hard work. A career in the green sector may not always follow a straightforward path, but the right opportunities can open doors to long-term growth. It’s important to stay open to learning and evolving, as sustainability careers often require adaptability. programmes and networks that connect professionals to green jobs play a crucial role in positioning talent where it can make the most impact. Beyond just finding a job, focus on building a career where your skills can grow, your contributions matter, and you can help shape a more sustainable future.
🔎 Silent signals – Who might be hiring soon
These companies have recently announced funding or expansion plans, often an early sign that new roles may be on the horizon. Stay ahead by following the expansion and keeping an eye on job boards as they scale.
EBID commits €230M and $10M to West Africa’s growth. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development has approved major funding to strengthen regional integration, support SMEs, and invest in key sectors like agriculture, transport, and renewable energy.
Transcorp PLC hits ₦4.5 trillion market cap, eyes renewables. With its market valuation soaring, Transcorp is now turning its attention to high-impact sectors, particularly agriculture and renewable energy, signaling potential hiring as it diversifies.
Egypt secures €262.3M from France and EU for infrastructure. New financing agreements will support water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and rail projects. As these initiatives roll out, job opportunities are likely to follow in both public and private sectors.
Hope kills nobody