Green Jobs for Sustainable Development: Concepts and Practices

Upcoming e-learning course by ILO-ITC, deadline for application is 14 March 2014.

In the promotion of sustainable development, the quantity and quality of jobs represent both an objective and an essential ingredient. While in the shift to a greener economy employment net gains have proved to be possible, it is also becoming evident that the goal of environmentally sustainable and social inclusive economies cannot be achieved without the proactive contribution of the world of work. This is why the ILO, through the promotion of green jobs, emphasizes the central role of employment and the workplaces as the locus for a better integration between the three dimensions of sustainable development.

Jobs are understood as “green” when they help reduce negative environmental impact, ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies. The ILO stresses that green jobs are also decent jobs that provide adequate incomes, social protection and ensure the respect for the rights of workers.

More specifically, decent green jobs:

• Improve energy and raw materials efficiency
• Limit greenhouse gas emissions
• Minimize waste and pollution
• Protect and restore ecosystems
• Support adaptation to the effects of climate change

Building from this definition, the course provides an interactive e-learning opportunity to become knowledgeable about the key concepts and emerging practices in the promotion of green jobs for sustainable development. Special attention is given to the approaches of the ILO Green Jobs Programme across specific economic sectors and at country level.

Learning objectives

The overall objective of this course is to improve the understanding of green jobs key concepts and definitions as part of the contribution of the world of work to sustainable development, through a review of tools,

selected literature and on-going practices. At the end of the course, it is expected that participants:

• Understand the links between environment, economy and society and are able to explain their interrelated challenges;
• Can argue why green jobs are key to promote sustainable development;
• Are able to describe what green and decent jobs are;
• Know in which sectors green jobs are mostly concentrated and can provide examples from different regions and countries;
• Recognize the role of governments and social partners in the promotion of policy coherence for the transition to greener and more sustainable economies;
• Appreciate best practices and useful case studies that illustrate the variety of approaches to green jobs promotion, such as green enterprise development, green entrepreneurship, skills for green jobs, green works, among others.

Target audience

The course is addressed to a mixed audience of professionals interested in the basic concepts of green jobs, its linkages with the ILO agenda and the sustainable development framework. This includes representatives from Governments, Employers’ Organizations, Trade Unions, national and international development agencies, civil society organisations and development practitioners.

Course structure and content mapping

The course is structured around 4 learning modules, addressing 4 fundamental questions:

• WHY are green jobs key to sustainable development?
• WHAT is exactly a green (and decent) job?
• WHERE can green jobs be found and/or created?
• HOW can green jobs be promoted and by whom?

The e-campus

The ITC-ILO e-campus is a virtual platform where the “Green job for sustainable development: concepts and practices” e-learning course will be hosted. It provides interactive e-learning opportunities making optimal use of new technologies and allowing participants to learn about green jobs - anytime, anywhere.

The e-campus is supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts who provide high quality learning guidance, pedagogical advice and technical support.

Language

The course and learning platform are available in English.

Enrolment information

Course dates: 31 March to 09 May 2014

Tuition fees: EUR 700

Deadline for registration: 14 March 2014

Registration form: http://intranetp.itcilo.org/STF/A977072/e