Top 10 Jobs in Djibouti for Filipinos

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have found Djibouti to be a land of promising opportunities, despite it being less known than other expatriate destinations. In recent years, the tiny Horn of Africa nation has seen an increase in demand for skilled professionals in various sectors, including maritime operations, construction, and security services. The strategic location of Djibouti, bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, has led to the development of port facilities and military bases where Filipinos with technical and service expertise are highly valued.

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The experience of OFWs in Djibouti is unique due to the nation’s developing economy and the blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Filipinos often engage in contractual work, which can lead to opportunities for higher earnings compared to similar roles in the Philippines. However, like all overseas employment, it requires adaptation to the cultural norms and living conditions of the host country. Despite these challenges, OFWs generally report a sense of camaraderie and community, often banding together to support one another in a land far from home.

Top 10 Jobs in Djibouti for Filipinos

Here are the top 10 jobs for Filipinos in Djibouti.

1. CARPENTER SHUTTERING

A carpenter shuttering is a skilled individual who builds and installs wooden structures and concrete pouring forms for various projects, including buildings, bridges, tunnels, and dams. They use various tools and materials, such as wood, nails, screws, hammers, saws, and levels. To become a carpenter shuttering, one needs a high school diploma, a carpenter apprenticeship or training program, knowledge of carpentry techniques, ability to read blueprints, work safely and accurately with power and hand tools, ability to work independently and as part of a team, effective communication with clients, supervisors, and co-workers, and ability to work in different weather conditions and at heights.

2.  WORKER IRON

An Iron Worker, also known as a welder, fabricator, assembler, or erector, is a skilled professional who works with iron and steel to construct structures. Their job involves reading blueprints, unloading, carrying, moving, and organizing steel and iron, installing iron into buildings, connecting metals through welding, bolts, or wires, and using hand signals to communicate with other technicians. Qualifications include a high school diploma, completion of an apprenticeship, skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, and physical strength, and ability to pass screenings. T

3. FOREMAN CIVIL

A Civil Foreman is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating construction projects. They oversee work, inspect sites, supervise crews, coordinate daily tasks, and delegate responsibilities. Qualifications include a high school diploma, four years of experience, extensive knowledge of the construction industry, good leadership skills, physical fitness, and excellent planning and organizational skills. Djibouti’s strategic location as a Red Sea transit point could increase the demand for construction and infrastructure projects, especially for Civil Foremen.

4. STOREKEEPER/WAREHOUSE ASSISTANT

A Storekeepers/Warehouse Assistant manages goods and deliveries in a warehouse, handling receiving, storing, and delivering goods, organizing and labeling items, documenting stock, monitoring inventory control, and loading and unloading items. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, strong communication and customer service skills, proficiency with inventory management tools, good verbal communication, excellent work ethic, and ability to work flexible hours and multitask in a fast-paced environment.

5. WELDER

A welder is a professional who assembles or repairs metal components using heavy machinery that melts the metal into shape. Their job involves reviewing blueprints, cutting metal into the appropriate shape, smoothing molten metal, reading, and understanding blueprints, sourcing materials, measuring and cutting materials to specifications, welding materials, and checking finished work. Qualifications include a high school diploma, a valid welding certificate, at least 2 years of experience, excellent knowledge of welding machinery, electrical equipment, and manual tools, and ability to read and interpret blueprints and designs. Welder qualification evaluates a welder’s skill to produce welds that meet standard requirements and can lead to welder certification. The welding industry is expected to face a shortage of 360,000 professionals by 20275, requiring an average of 90,000 welding jobs annually between 2023-20275.

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6. ENGINEER PROJECT

A Project Engineer manages and oversees the planning, design, and implementation of technical or engineering-related projects. They are responsible for budgeting, staffing, analyzing requirements, communicating with divisions, and ensuring compliance with specifications and regulations. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a valid engineering license, 4+ years of field and project planning experience, excellent computer literacy, and the ability to work with multiple discipline projects. Djibouti’s economy grew by over 6% per year before the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by investment in transport and port infrastructure. The demand for Project Engineers in Djibouti is expected to increase.

7. MECHANIC

A mechanic is a professional who inspects and repairs vehicles, machinery, and light trucks. They diagnose and repair issues, communicate with clients, provide routine inspections, prepare work estimates, maintain garage equipment, and adhere to company safety policies. Qualifications include a high school diploma, vocational school certification, 2 years of experience, in-depth knowledge of vehicle diagnostic equipment, and strong attention to detail. Djibouti’s strategic location as a Red Sea transit point could increase demand for logistics and warehouse operations.

8. OPERATOR BATCHING PLANT

A Batching Plant Operator is a professional responsible for overseeing the operations of a batching plant, which produces concrete and other mixtures. They are responsible for producing on-time and in-spec concrete, printing delivery tickets, inspecting facilities, and maintaining a proper inventory of cement, fly ash, admixtures, and aggregates. Qualifications include a high school diploma, 2+ years of experience in concrete batch plant operations, proficiency in using computers, a forklift certification, and a valid driver’s license.

9. TECHNICIAN CAD

A Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Technician) is a crucial role in the design and manufacturing process, utilizing software to create technical drawings and plans for products and buildings. They work with engineers, architects, and other professionals to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings, convert hand-drawn sketches into digital ones, modify existing designs, and follow complex instructions to produce plans and technical details. To become a CAD Technician, one needs a high school diploma, a certificate or associate degree in engineering or design, advanced knowledge of CAD and AutoCAD software, the ability to read and translate blueprints, and a basic understanding of building design and mechanical processes.

10.  OPERATOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT

A Heavy Equipment Operator uses large machinery to move earth, build roads, and level land. They require strength, coordination, and a steady hand. Qualifications include a high school diploma, training in heavy equipment operation, and certifications, licenses, and a commercial driver’s license. The Ethiopia and Djibouti heavy equipment market is growing at a CAGR of 5.6%, driven by increasing use in construction, mining, agriculture, energy, and transportation.

Also Read: How to Become an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)

Summary

With Djibouti’s strategic location by the Red Sea, it has become a bustling hub for infrastructure and logistics-related job opportunities critical for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The constant demand for expertise in construction, engineering, and mechanical vocations offers OFWs a chance to utilize their skills and contribute significantly to the ongoing development. Foremen and engineers, in particular, are instrumental in leading various projects that drive Djibouti’s economy forward, while mechanics and plant operators maintain the integrity of the ever-expanding logistics networks essential for the nation’s trade and commerce.

Aside from the technical jobs that dominate the market, roles like warehouse assistants and CAD technicians provide ample opportunities for skilled OFWs to showcase their expertise. The synergy between Djibouti’s need for rapid infrastructure development and the highly skilled, hardworking Filipino workforce creates a dynamic environment where growth and success are mutual. For OFWs, the experience in Djibouti not only offers economic benefits but also enriches professional experience in fields that are in demand globally, providing a valuable stepping stone for future career advancements.

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