Lucrative Careers: Angola's Most Common Job Opportunities

Angola's economy is largely driven by the oil and gas sector, with 90-97% of the country's export revenue attributed to crude oil. As such, there is a high demand for highly skilled professionals in this industry, as well as in the growing telecommunications sector. The majority of Angola's population, however, is employed in agriculture. For expats, there are many well-paying job opportunities, particularly in the oil industry, but the cost of living, especially in the capital city of Luanda, is very high.

Oil and gas jobs

Angola's economy is largely driven by the oil and gas sector, with 97% of the country's exports attributed to crude oil. As such, there are many job opportunities for highly skilled professionals in this industry.

• Regional Sales and Marketing Manager
• Electrical Field Specialist
• Well Intervention Supervisor
• Site Control Supervisor
• Field Mechanical Engineer
• Site Mechanic Supervisor
• Entry-level Field Engineer
• Finance and Admin Manager
• Multi NDT Technician
• Lead Electrical/Mechanical Technician
• Mooring Engineer
• Control System Engineer
• Associate Construction Support Engineer
• Drilling and Completion Supervisor
• Integrity Engineer
• Offshore Cargo Operator
• Offshore Maintenance Operator
• Naval Architecture Engineer
• Emergency Response Coordinator
• Regional Business Developer

To apply for oil and gas jobs in Angola, websites such as Rigzone.com, oilandgasjobsearch.com, and Airswift.com can be useful. It is beneficial to have Portuguese language skills, as this is the local language. Foreign employees must also apply for a work visa at an Angolan consulate and will need to provide extensive documentation translated into Portuguese.

Agriculture jobs

Angola has about 57.4 million hectares of agricultural land, including 5 million hectares of arable land. The country has the potential for agricultural richness, with fertile soils, abundant water, and a favourable climate. However, the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002) and the resulting deterioration of the rural economy severely impacted agricultural productivity. Large areas of land remain uncultivable due to landmines, and limited infrastructure in rural areas discourages people from returning to farming.

Despite these challenges, Angola's agriculture sector is expanding, and the government has implemented various initiatives to promote agricultural development and reduce the country's dependence on food imports. Here are some specific examples of agriculture jobs in Angola:

Farm Management

Farm managers are responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a farm, including crop production, livestock management, and supervising farm workers. They may work on large-scale commercial farms or smaller family-owned farms. Farm managers need to have knowledge of agricultural practices, crop rotation, soil management, and animal husbandry. They also need strong organisational and leadership skills to manage the farm's operations efficiently.

Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineers play a crucial role in designing and implementing farming systems, irrigation techniques, and machinery to optimise crop production and improve efficiency. They may work on projects such as designing irrigation systems, developing new farming technologies, or constructing farm buildings and infrastructure. These engineers often collaborate with farmers, scientists, and other experts to find innovative solutions to challenges in the agriculture industry.

Agronomy

Agronomists are experts in crop production and soil management. They study and analyse soil conditions, climate patterns, and crop requirements to maximise yields and improve crop quality. Agronomists may work with farmers to advise them on the best practices for planting, fertilising, and harvesting various crops. They also conduct research to develop new farming techniques, improve crop yields, and address issues related to soil health, water management, and pest control.

Livestock Management

Livestock managers are responsible for overseeing the care and management of cattle, goats, pigs, or poultry. They ensure the animals' health and welfare, provide proper nutrition, and maintain breeding records. Livestock managers also work with veterinarians to implement vaccination programmes and disease prevention measures. Additionally, they may be involved in marketing and selling livestock or livestock products, such as meat, dairy, or eggs.

Agricultural Sales and Marketing

Agricultural sales and marketing professionals are responsible for promoting and selling agricultural products, equipment, and services. This may include selling farm machinery, seeds, fertilisers, or other inputs to farmers. They need to have knowledge of the agriculture industry and the specific needs of farmers in the region. These professionals may work for agricultural supply companies, farm equipment manufacturers, or agricultural technology providers.

Sustainable Agriculture

With a growing focus on sustainability and environmental impact, jobs in sustainable agriculture are becoming increasingly important in Angola. Professionals in this field work to develop and promote farming practices that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. They may work on projects related to organic farming, agroecology, conservation agriculture, or precision agriculture. Additionally, they may be involved in educating farmers about sustainable practices or advocating for policies that support sustainable agriculture.

Finance jobs

Angola's economy is largely driven by the oil and gas sector, which accounts for 97% of the country's exports. As a result, there are numerous opportunities for highly skilled professionals in this industry. The telecommunications and agriculture sectors are also growing, creating a demand for professionals in various fields, including finance.

Other finance roles in Angola include financial accountants, financial directors, controllers, and executive assistants with financial advisory experience. These positions are often based in Luanda, the capital city, and offer competitive salaries.

When applying for finance jobs in Angola, it is beneficial to have prior experience in the field and a strong understanding of financial principles. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese is advantageous, as it is the local language. However, some positions may only require English proficiency, especially if the role is based in an international company.

It is recommended that individuals seeking employment in Angola obtain a job offer before relocating, as it can be challenging for foreigners to find work locally. Expats in Angola generally enjoy good salaries, but it is important to consider the high living costs, especially in the capital city.

Engineering jobs

Angola's economy is largely driven by the oil and gas sector, with 97% of exports attributed to crude oil. As a result, there are many opportunities for highly skilled professionals in this industry.

Field Engineer - Logging and Perforating

This role involves working in the field, often at oil drilling sites, and involves the use of specialised equipment for logging and perforating operations. Field Engineers ensure that these operations are carried out safely and efficiently.

Trainee Engineer

Trainee Engineer positions are available for recent engineering graduates or those looking to start their careers in engineering. These roles provide on-the-job training and the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, often in the oil and gas industry.

Electrical Specialist

Electrical Specialists are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment. In Angola, this role is often associated with the oil and gas industry, where electrical specialists ensure that electrical systems are functioning optimally and safely.

Junior Design Engineer

Junior Design Engineers assist in the design and development of engineering projects, often under the supervision of more senior engineers. This role involves creating technical drawings, conducting calculations, and coordinating with other teams to ensure the successful execution of engineering designs.

Engineer Officer

Engineer Officers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems, often on ships or in other maritime settings. This role involves overseeing engineering teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and troubleshooting technical issues.

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as buildings, roads, and bridges. In Angola, Civil Engineers may work on a variety of projects, including urban development, transportation networks, or structural engineering for oil and gas facilities.

Overall, engineering jobs in Angola offer a range of opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas sector. These roles contribute significantly to the country's economy and provide a pathway for skilled professionals to work in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Healthcare jobs

Angola's healthcare sector is developing, with the country aiming to achieve universal health coverage by 2025. The healthcare system is divided into four types of services: public, for-profit, non-profit, and traditional. The public sector covers health services provided by the Angolan Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, and public-owned companies. The private sector is under the supervision of the General Health Inspection Department and is concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas. The traditional sector is unregulated.

The healthcare system in Angola is structured into three levels:

Level 1:

• 1,650 Health Posts
• 331 Health Centres
• 43 Maternal and Child Health Centres
• 165 Municipal Hospitals
• 83 general healthcare facilities

Level 2:

25 General Provincial Hospitals

Level 3:

20 Central and Speciality Hospitals

Angola faces challenges in its healthcare sector, including insufficient health service coverage, weak referral systems, inadequate human resources, weaknesses in health management systems, insufficient financing, and poor collaboration within the public health sector and with other sectors providing health services.

• Supply chain manager/Operation manager
• X-ray technician/radiographer
• MBBS doctor/family doctor/general practitioner/resident medical officer
• Bachelor of Rehabilitation
• Physician in a personal capacity
• Specialist in Natural and Traditional Medicine
• Comprehensive General Medicine Specialist

Expatriates in Angola, particularly those with high-skilled professions, tend to invest in private health insurance, which allows them access to private healthcare and emergency evacuation to better healthcare facilities in nearby South Africa. Employers typically provide expatriates with international health insurance.

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