Green jobs: ESG and sustainability skills in high demand as employers struggle to find qualified candidates
- Numerous sectors are creating more green jobs, fuelled by the growth of sustainability-focused markets
- Candidates who can prove their ability to effectively implement green initiatives are especially prized, a recruiter says
Specialised skills and knowledge about sustainability-related business practices are in high demand as employers scramble to find qualified candidates for green jobs amid a shortage of professionals with such expertise.
Knowledge and experience with reporting, climate-change adaptation and mitigation, corporate sustainability and renewable energy are among the requirements that are in short supply, leading to difficulties filling green jobs in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, said Timothy Smith, business director of sustainability with recruitment firm Hays Hong Kong.
“The green jobs market is rapidly evolving, and companies may struggle to keep up with the changing skill sets and requirements,” Smith said.
Numerous sectors are creating more green jobs, fuelled by the growth of sustainability-focused markets, said Dicky Leung, manager of construction, engineering and supply chain at recruitment firm Robert Walters.
“Quantifying the extent of green work can be challenging, leading to a gap between employer expectations and those of potential employees,” Leung said.
