Project Finance Specialist
Acquara Management Consultant
Job Description
A. Role: Project Finance Associate
The Project Finance Associate will support the execution of infrastructure and energy transactions across the GCC and CIS countries, working closely with senior team members, clients, lenders, and technical advisors. The role requires strong analytical capability, ability to develop and work with complex financial models, and the ability to interpret procurement documents issued by government and semi‑government procurers.
B. Key Responsibilities
1. Transaction Delivery & RfP Interpretation
- Read, interpret, and summarise procurer RfPs, Instructions to Bidders, draft project agreements, and evaluation criteria across PPP, IPP/IWPs, ISTPs, district cooling, transport, and other GCC infrastructure sectors.
- Translate RfP requirements into model inputs, bid assumptions, compliance matrices, and risk analysis.
- Identify commercial, technical, and financial obligations embedded in concession agreements, PPAs, WTAs, IWPs, ISTPs, EPC/O&M contracts, and shareholder agreements.
2. Financial Modelling & Scenario Analysis
- Build and maintain complex financial models aligned with RfP requirements, lender expectations, and client strategies.
- Run sensitivities, downside cases, covenant tests, equity IRR optimisation, tariff calculations, and bid‑price derivations.
- Ensure models comply with accounting, tax, and GCC regulatory frameworks.
3. Deliverables & Documentation
- Prepare information memoranda, project summaries, bid submissions, lender packs, and investment committee materials.
- Draft clear analytical reports converting technical and commercial inputs into decision‑ready insights.
- Develop client‑ready presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
4. Client & Stakeholder Interaction
- Engage with client teams to understand requirements and evolving priorities.
- Coordinate with lenders, legal advisors, technical consultants, and consortium partners.
- Support senior team members in structuring solutions and preparing recommendations.
5. Business Development Support
- Conduct sector research across GCC markets—energy, water, transport, social infrastructure, district cooling, data centres, green hydrogen, etc.
- Assist in preparing proposals and pitch materials.
C. Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Advanced proficiency in financial modelling (Excel; VBA an advantage).
- Understanding of PPP frameworks, project finance principles, and risk allocation.
- Ability to interpret legal and technical documents and convert them into financial implications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in multicultural, fast‑paced environments.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
D. Educational Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related fields.
- 2–5 years of experience in project finance, infrastructure advisory, investment banking, or consulting.
- Experience with GCC PPP/IPPs/IWPs preferred.
- Experience of having achieved financial close on at least one deal is preferred.
- CFA or similar qualification is an advantage.