Experts in renewable energy are being invited to meet prospective employers at a jobs fair launched amid growing demand in the region.

 

The Green Career Day will be held on July 20, at The Change Initiative and offers opportunities for a range of professionals – from engineers to sustainability specialists.

 

Participants include the Middle East Facility Management Association, the Clean Energy Business Council, the UAE chapter of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, Sustainability Knowledge Group, Blue Ocean Academy and Manipal University.

 

Demand for their services has been growing in the country as a result of several initiatives, said Ulysses Papadopoulos, managing partner event organiser GreenEmirates.

 

“We are seeing solar and renewables picking up, as well as electric transport and alternative fuels," said Mr. Papadopoulos.

 

Large-scale solar projects in Dubai and the liberalisation of fuel pricing are among the reasons, he said. In addition, private companies are increasingly looking to adopt sustainability practices and reporting their progress based on globally agreed criteria.

 

“Companies are moving away from charity and philanthropy into corporate social responsibility," he said.

 

In many cases, employers are looking for people with highly specialised technical experience who are not available locally, said Mr. Papadopoulos, whose company also provides recruitment services. But mechanical engineers as well as lighting and air-conditioning specialists are also in demand.

 

The event can give ideas to fresh graduates or people from other backgrounds, such as petroleum or electronics engineers, who are looking to transfer into green careers, he said. (The National)