Will the new year bring new assignments, more jobs, or fewer opportunities and jobs? That is the question that arises for many experts and consultants when thinking about the next 12 months. With great advances having been made in automation and artificial intelligence, the rising impact of global warming, and various conflicts in several parts of the world, it is predicted the global labor market will undergo a significant transformation. While some industries could experience job losses, others will see new opportunities arise. In the context of this changing landscape, will an excellent qualification and a well-structured CV be most important? What skills should experts focus on, and how can they get their foot in the door in 2025? Check out some opinions below.
Key Takeaways:
- According to a recent International Labor Organization study, both the number of jobs and job quality are likely to be affected by AI, but the overall effects of AI systems on employment will vary across countries.
- The landscape may see a rise in positions that require advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while machines could increasingly handle routine tasks.
- Among the skills that will be in most demand, experts are betting on AI, machine learning, data analytics, and blockchain, together with soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence and critical thinking.
- Low-skill jobs will increasingly face automation, highlighting the urgent need for widespread adoption of new technologies and reskilling programs.
DevelopmentAid: How do you anticipate automation and AI will reshape the labor market in 2025, particularly in terms of job losses and creation?
“In 2025, automation and AI will significantly reshape the labor market, creating opportunities while eradicating certain roles. Based on my experience of managing AI-driven projects, automation will streamline repetitive tasks, reducing the demand for manual labor in sectors such as manufacturing and administration. However, it will also create jobs in AI development, data analysis, and emerging tech ecosystems. Upskilling will be crucial, as businesses increasingly require professionals to adapt to leveraging these technologies. AI’s integration will drive productivity, fostering new industries and innovative business models, but also necessitating proactive adaptation to address potential skill gaps and workforce transitions. The adoption of AI technologies will primarily enhance existing roles by automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. While some roles may evolve, businesses will likely prioritize reskilling over layoffs, ensuring a smoother transition and maintaining workforce stability.”
“In my opinion, the labor market in 2025 will continue to be challenging and also rewarding. It is now the age of ‘deskilling and reskilling’. If people continue to perform mundane tasks manually or even by using only the tools currently available, they risk losing efficiency and missing out on the insightful data that AI tools can provide. Most people will need to reskill themselves to use AI tools and embrace them as ‘work partners’. People who resist this change are likely to lose their current jobs and those who embrace new tools for their day-to-day work would create new roles for themselves.”
“As we step into 2025, it is intriguing to consider the transformative impact that automation and artificial intelligence are poised to have on the labor market. The integration of these technologies is likely to lead to significant shifts, with certain jobs becoming obsolete while new roles emerge in response to evolving demands. This duality of job loss and creation will challenge workers to adapt and reskill, as industries evolve and the nature of work changes. The landscape may see a rise in positions that require advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while machines could increasingly handle routine tasks. The overall effect will redefine job descriptions and necessitate a cultural shift in how we view work and employment in a rapidly advancing technological world.”
See also: Occupations at risk of automation by AI and other technologies
“AI is poised to significantly transform the nature of work, reshaping job roles, skill requirements, and workplace demands. This shift will inevitably impact workers’ emotional well-being and motivation. While AI brings both opportunities and challenges, its influence on societies is undeniable. On the positive side, AI has the potential to generate substantial economic value and address the challenges of aging populations and labor market shortages. By automating repetitive tasks, AI can enhance efficiency and productivity. The additional economic benefits derived from high-value-added activities could be redistributed to improve the capacity and inclusiveness of developing nations. However, it also poses risks, such as deepening inequalities within and between nations. Countries with greater technological and linguistic access to AI will have more opportunities for advancement, widening the divide with those lacking these resources. The OECD estimates that AI currently affects around 25% of jobs. In the future, over 70% of jobs will be impacted, with 40% experiencing severe disruption. Tasks that now take hours could be completed in half the time, creating a growing demand for workers skilled in data analysis and decision-making. Regions less affected by earlier waves of automation are likely to feel the greatest effects of AI integration. Historically, automation has created jobs and boosted productivity, suggesting that AI could have similar positive effects. However, unlike robotics, AI will necessitate the retraining of workers in higher value-added roles, leading to varied regional and sectoral impacts. The emotional health of workers is another critical consideration. The concept of “technostress” highlights the anxiety people feel when technology becomes overwhelming. If not managed carefully, AI may shift from being a tool that serves humans to one that controls them. Ensuring AI remains a beneficial servant, not a harmful master, is essential.”
DevelopmentAid: What skills and sectors do you believe will be most in demand in 2025, particularly within the international development job market?
“In 2025, the international development job market will highly value skills in data analysis, project management, and digital transformation. Expertise in areas such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain will be crucial for driving efficiency and transparency in development initiatives. Communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills will remain essential to manage diverse teams and stakeholders globally. Sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and healthcare technology will see the most demand, fueled by global sustainability goals and the need for resilient systems. In addition, roles that focus on policy advising and capacity building will be critical to support governments and organizations that are adapting to technological and economic shifts. Those who combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and adaptability will lead in shaping impactful, forward-thinking solutions for international development challenges.”
“Data analytics is a default skill for most jobs that entails the ability to gather information, tabulate this, and extract insights. Some international development jobs require special skills and it is hard to say which ones will be most in demand in 2025. Having said that, some skills such as monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in ID jobs will always be in demand. There have been various M&E tools introduced in recent years and AI is going to play a crucial role to undertake impact analysis in M&E.”
“In terms of sectors, the focus is expected to shift towards areas that address pressing global needs. The climate action sector will likely see a surge in demand for professionals who can implement and manage sustainability initiatives, while the health sector will require individuals who are skilled in global health policy and emergency response strategies. Furthermore, the rise of digital platforms and remote collaboration tools will create opportunities in the technological sector. In addition, knowledge of emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, will be increasingly valuable as these offer innovative solutions to longstanding issues. Overall, the international development job market in 2025 will be characterized by a blend of traditional expertise and innovative approaches, reflecting the dynamic nature of global development challenges.”
DevelopmentAid: How do you foresee changes in employment and unemployment rates in 2025, and what factors will most influence these trends?
“In 2025, employment and unemployment rates will be shaped by the rapid adoption of automation, AI, and digital transformation. While automation may reduce demand for low-skill, repetitive roles, it will also create new opportunities in tech-driven sectors such as AI development, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation. Upskilling and reskilling programs will be key factors in maintaining employment levels, as these will help the workforce to adapt to changing demands. Economic recovery post-global disruptions and government policies that promote innovation and education will also play crucial roles in stabilizing unemployment rates. Overall, while technological shifts will redefine job markets, proactive measures can ensure balanced employment opportunities and sustainable growth. Low-skill jobs will increasingly face automation, highlighting the urgent need for widespread adoption of new technologies and reskilling programs. This transition will enable workers to adapt to higher-value roles, ensuring their relevance in a tech-driven economy.”
“Employment and unemployment rates are expected to undergo significant transformations in 2025, driven by a variety of influential factors shaping the labor market. Key elements such as economic conditions, technological progress, and demographic transitions will significantly impact these trends. The rise of automation and AI is expected to generate new job opportunities while making some positions redundant. Additionally, the global economy’s recovery from recent challenges, including the pandemic, will affect hiring practices and workforce dynamics, resulting in variations in employment and unemployment statistics. Societal shifts, particularly in workforce demographics and changing employee expectations, will also play a vital role in this evolving landscape. As younger generations enter the workforce, their demand for flexible work options and a balanced lifestyle will push employers to rethink their approaches. Additionally, the growing focus on diversity and inclusion will not only shape hiring practices but also influence employee retention. In 2025, these interconnected factors will create intricate employment trends, highlighting the need for a deep understanding of the dynamics at play.”
See also: What are the economic predictions for 2025? | Experts’ Opinions
The job market in 2025 appears to be unpredictable due to the rapid rise of technological advances and artificial intelligence. The old ways of searching for jobs can be very time-consuming, resulting in lost opportunities. Precisely for this reason, DevelopmentAid can empower experts with an Individual Professional Membership. In just a few clicks, professionals can access over 5,000 job opportunities in the international development sector, as well as tenders, grants for individuals, and much more. In addition, they can approach organizations directly by filtering these according to their own interests and submitting their CVs. Yes, 2025 may be unpredictable, but with the right cards in your hand, the future can be created, not simply predicted.
