Meet Natascha

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Wow, where do I start? I’m originally from Cape Town, South Africa – a city that was recently voted one of the best in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder! I moved to Dubai about a year and a half ago, taking a leap of faith to pursue my dream of working internationally. I always thought it would be the U.S., but Dubai’s opportunities and lifestyle were just too attractive to pass up. The weather was definitely a pull factor—though I didn’t quite account for how extreme the summer heat would be!

What about your journey in the recruitment energy sector? And one, what inspired you to pursue this career path?  

My path into recruitment was quite unexpected to put it mildly. After university, I worked in HR administration before pursuing a dream to work on yachts and travel the world. However, the pandemic altered my plans, and I ended up in a short-term admin role at a recruitment agency focused on renewable energy. What started as a temporary gig turned into a full-fledged career when the company saw potential in me.

I quickly realised I enjoyed connecting people with the right opportunities, and it aligned perfectly with my passion for sustainability. The renewable energy sector excites me because it’s about making a tangible difference. I love the idea of helping build a greener future, ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

What excites you the most about working in renewable energy right now?

The sheer momentum of the industry! Countries like Saudi Arabia have ambitious sustainability goals, such as Vision 2030, aiming to transition a large portion of their power generation to clean energy. Companies are really realising the impact the operations can have on the environment and coming to a point now where they are increasingly committing to reducing their environmental impact, and the job market is booming with new opportunities.

It’s incredibly rewarding to place candidates in roles where they can contribute to something so impactful. Just recently, I visited a contractor placed through our company, and hearing how happy he was in his new role made all the hard work worthwhile.

Where do you see the future of low carbon and renewable energy over the next decade?

The industry is only going up. We’re seeing more developers, investors, and manufacturers entering the space, which means more innovation and job creation. I hope that within the next ten years, most of the world will have transitioned away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy sources. Great to see real progress happening in this sector during my visit to the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. The three-day event was packed with discussions on the global shift to clean energy, covering everything from smart water to smart cities. Definitely one for the calendar if you're into forward-thinking energy solutions.

What does a typical day like for you? Is there a part of your routine you particularly enjoy?

No two days look the same, which is one of the things I love most about my job. One day might be filled with meetings where I get to meet many new people, while another is spent sourcing top talent for key roles.

My favourite part of the day? Hitting the gym! It’s my time to disconnect, refocus, and recharge—just me, my headphones, and the weights.

What is the most challenging part of your job, and how do you handle it?

Balancing everything—some days I solely focus on business development, other days I need to just hone in and work on finding the right person for the job. Time management is key. With meetings, it's easy to get caught up in conversations or commuting from one place to another, and before you know it, two hours have passed. Then, I find myself rushing through the rest of the day. Juggling everything can be a challenge, so I always make sure to structure my day efficiently to stay on top of things.

What are the top things candidates can do to stand out during the job-hunting process?

1. Have a strong CV – Your CV is your business card. Include key achievements, project details, and specific contributions rather than just listing job duties.

2. Keep your LinkedIn up to date – Many recruiters and hiring managers cross-check LinkedIn profiles, so ensure your details are accurate.

3. Build a strong reputation – Word of mouth is powerful. Be someone who’s great to work with, and opportunities will naturally come your way.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when starting out in recruitment?

That everything takes time. Quick wins happen, but building a solid foundation in recruitment requires patience. I’ve had to learn to trust the process and understand that success doesn’t happen overnight.

‍How do you keep up with the latest in the energy industry? Any must-read sources?

I rely on industry-specific sources like MESIA (Middle East Solar Industry Association) and the EIC (Energy Industries Council) database for updates on new projects, advancements, and policy changes. I'm also subscribed to Energy Voice, so I receive the latest industry updates straight to my inbox and never miss a thing!

‍What do you get up to when you’re not working?

Spending time outdoors—well, at least during the cooler months! I love running at Kite Beach, lounging by the pool, and spending time with my little sister, who also lives in Dubai. I also have a soft spot for animals, particularly cats. I’ve set up food and water stations in my building for stray cats, seeing them thrive with a little care makes my heart full.

‍Finally, if you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

1. Water – Survival 101!

2. A hair tie – There’s nothing worse than hair in your face when you’re trying to get something done.

3. My phone – Even if there’s no signal, I’d feel safer just having it with me!