Project Finance Graduate Analyst

Role overview

Howden is hiring a graduate to join its Lenders’ Insurance Advisory (LIA) team within Global Financial Sponsors in London. The team advises financiers involved in structured finance transactions and provides insurance due diligence and advisory support on projects around the world, with a focus on energy transition, infrastructure, and real estate.

This is a strong opportunity for a motivated, well-organised, and personable graduate who wants to grow with a fast-expanding team. Since launching in 2023, the LIA team has grown quickly and works with a broad range of leading clients, including major investment banks, law firms, sponsors and developers, and financial advisors. You will work alongside experienced professionals from the beginning, gaining practical exposure to the insurance market in structured finance and lending.

The wider Global Financial Sponsors team is a newer group dedicated to supporting the insurance requirements of private equity clients. The role is designed to provide substantial learning, hands-on involvement, and room for long-term development as the business continues to scale.

What the role involves

• Studying for the Chartered Insurance Institute Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) alongside the job, with study days provided for each exam session.
• Learning directly from senior colleagues through practical work and one-to-one guidance to build the knowledge needed to progress into a Lenders’ Insurance Advisor position.
• Preparing insurance due diligence reports and reviewing key project documents.
• Working with brokers, lawyers, lenders, and sponsors on project finance matters to identify issues and help protect lender interests.
• Using data analysis skills to assess information and turn it into practical insights.
• Supporting business development activity, including attendance at industry events and conferences, and helping the Client Engagement team respond to new opportunities and RfPs.
• Collaborating with colleagues across Global Financial Sponsors and the wider Howden Group on shared initiatives such as thought leadership, internal projects, and cross-selling opportunities.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders, including attending meetings when required.
• Assisting with team projects and broader collaborative work that supports client delivery.

Candidate profile

No prior background in insurance or finance is necessary, as training will be provided. The team is open to recent graduates or final-year students from any degree discipline. A 2:1 or equivalent is preferred, though it is not essential.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in the role of insurance and finance in energy transition, along with strong analytical ability, close attention to detail, and a practical approach to problem solving. Good written and spoken communication is important, as is the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to non-technical audiences and people at different seniority levels. The team is also looking for someone intellectually curious, collaborative, proactive, and able to manage their workload effectively while balancing study commitments.

Benefits and culture

• A career path you can help shape.
• A workplace that values diversity and recognises that there is no single “Howden type”.
• Supportive collaboration during both routine tasks and more demanding challenges.
• A commitment to making a positive difference both inside and outside of work.

Reasonable adjustments

Howden is committed to reasonable accommodations to help ensure the role suits different needs. In addition to standard adjustments such as software, IT, and office setup support, flexible hours or hybrid working may also be possible for some positions.

If you are interested in the role but unsure whether it is the right fit, you are encouraged to apply. If your profile matches the requirements, the recruitment team will get in touch to discuss any adjustments that may help you take part in the process.

Some roles may not be able to accommodate changes to working hours or location. For more information, candidates should contact the recruitment partner.