Principle: Project Finance & Transactions

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Principal Project Finance and Transactions Renewable Energy | Cape Town, South Africa An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Project Finance professional to join a leading international energy company with a growing renewable energy and infrastructure portfolio across South Africa and the broader African market. The organisation is seeking a commercially astute and transaction-oriented professional to lead complex project finance and strategic transactions, spanning renewable energy financing, M&A, acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, restructurings and refinancings. This is a senior-level opportunity for an individual who can independently drive transactions from initial structuring through to financial close, while engaging with lenders, investors, advisers and key internal stakeholders. The Opportunity The organisation operates across the entire energy value chain, from project development and investment through to construction, asset management and operations. With expertise across wind, solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hybrid technologies and related infrastructure, it plays an active role in advancing the global energy transition. Its South African portfolio includes more than 1.7 GW of renewable energy and storage assets in operation, under construction or reaching financial close, with an established presence across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Gqeberha. Key Responsibilities Lead project finance and strategic transactions from initial structuring through to financial close, completion or implementation. Develop and evaluate funding strategies, capital structures and financing solutions. Lead lender engagement, commercial negotiations and financing documentation. Oversee financial modelling, investment analysis, sensitivities and returns optimisation. Drive energy and infrastructure M&A transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and equity partnerships. Lead or support debt restructurings, refinancings, recapitalisations and material financing amendments. Coordinate financial, commercial and technical due diligence, internal approvals and external advisers. Manage relationships with lenders, investors, legal counsel, financial advisers and other transaction stakeholders. Identify transaction risks, develop mitigation strategies and drive solutions to maintain transaction momentum. Provide oversight, quality assurance and guidance to junior Project Finance professionals. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Law or a related discipline. Minimum 8 years' relevant experience in project finance, infrastructure finance, structured finance, investment banking, financial advisory or within an Independent Power Producer (IPP). Demonstrated experience leading substantial transaction workstreams and progressing transactions through to financial close or completion. Meaningful exposure to the energy or infrastructure sector, preferably within renewable energy or the broader power sector. Practical experience in energy or infrastructure M&A, including valuation, due diligence and transaction structuring. Direct experience with refinancings, restructurings, recapitalisations, waivers or material financing amendments. Strong understanding of the South African energy and project financing environment. Technical Competencies Advanced financial modelling, project finance structuring and financial analysis capabilities. Strong Excel skills and the ability to interrogate, review and direct complex financial models. Understanding of energy-sector commercial arrangements, including PPAs, EPC contracts, O&M agreements and shareholder agreements. Experience reviewing and negotiating term sheets, mandate letters, financing agreements and transaction documentation. Strong commercial acumen and the ability to assess financing structures, investment returns and transaction risks. Advantageous CA(SA), CFA, MBA, postgraduate finance or commercial qualification, or an equivalent professional designation. Experience in wider African or international energy and infrastructure markets. Experience working with international lenders, investors and cross-border transaction structures. Additional African language capabilities. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for an independent, commercially driven transaction professional who can operate confidently at a senior level, take ownership of complex financing processes and translate strategic objectives into executable transaction plans. You should be comfortable leading multiple stakeholders, managing negotiations, exercising sound commercial judgement and presenting complex financial and transaction matters to senior management and investment committees. This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in advancing renewable energy investment and infrastructure development across South Africa and the broader African market. Interested in this opportunity? If you have the relevant project finance and transaction experience and are looking to take the next step in your career within the renewable energy sector, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV for consideration.