Inclusion in green jobs: Exploring policy and programmes which can Foster Inclusive Green Employment

Summary

The transition to a decarbonised economy is not only essential to halting climate change, but is also a driver of economic growth with the potential to create millions of green jobs. A green job is considered to be a role that helps to preserve or restore the environment, or mitigate or adapt to climate change (International Labour Organisation, 2024). Green jobs not only exist in emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency but involve positions in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, transportation, R&D, administrative, and service activities.

Due to the wide range of green jobs available both now and which will open up in the future, there is no single training profile for those known as green collar workers. Green jobs require an environmental specialisation within a sector which can come in the form of hard (ecology, engineering, technical, science) or soft skills (e.g. management and monitoring skills). Green jobs are said to aid the promotion of sustainable economic development and can provide an opportunity to address embedded labour market inequalities. Yet it has been identified that by 2030 only 25% of global green jobs will be held by women (Boston Consulting Group, 2024). Jobs for the Future (2024) identify that the quality of jobs and the diversity of the workforce across the green transformation cycle can vary widely, with women, and ethnic minority groups being underrepresented in jobs with the highest pay, best benefits, and lowest risk. Furthermore the International Labour Organisation (2023) cautions that persistent marginalization of people with disabilities in the labour market can exacerbate the already disproportionate effects of climate change on them. There is a need for more insights into the support mechanisms and policy tools which can mitigate current labour market inequalities in the work transformation induced by climate change. It has also been identified that there is a need to explore how empowerment and training in emerging green job niches can be inclusive to the needs of disadvantaged groups.

The overall aim of this PhD to explore how to foster inclusive green employment in Northern Ireland. Projects which seek to explore different countries will only be considered if there are clear implications for Northern Oreland. The precise topic will be shaped by the successful PhD candidate and may focus on a more groups of individuals who already face labour market inequalities such as women, individuals with disabilities or ethnic minority groups. The successful PhD candidate should have a keen interest into how to their findings can be used to shape policy and programmes aimed at green job inclusion.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.