Project Finance Manager

Role Overview

The Project Finance Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining sophisticated financial models to support large-scale infrastructure projects. This role involves structuring capital allocations and conducting comprehensive financial and risk analyses, including sensitivity and scenario testing. The candidate will also evaluate project payment frameworks such as User-Pays or Government-Pays models, designing mechanisms that optimize revenue streams and guarantees.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, refine, and manage complex Excel-based financial models essential for bidding and executing mega projects.
• Devise optimal capital structuring strategies combining senior debt, equity, export credit agencies, and development finance institutions.
• Perform thorough cash flow risk assessments through sensitivity, scenario, and risk analysis techniques.
• Design and assess project payment mechanisms incorporating User-Pays (toll/user fee) or Government-Pays (availability payment) systems, including minimum revenue guarantees.
• Oversee financial closing procedures for new project concessions and the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
• Prepare compelling Information Memorandums, pitch presentations, and term sheets for lenders and investors.
• Lead commercial negotiations with international financial institutions to secure competitive loan and investment terms.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies such as interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forwards to safeguard project profitability.
• Ensure alignment of financial models with major project contracts including EPC, O&M, and concession agreements.
• Maintain compliance with market standards and integrate ESG criteria to enable access to green bonds and sustainability-linked financing instruments.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Civil/Industrial Engineering is required; advanced qualifications such as an MBA, CFA accreditation, or a Master’s in Infrastructure Finance are highly preferred.
• Between 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project finance, investment banking focusing on infrastructure or energy, or structured finance roles.
• Documented success in achieving financial close for major infrastructure, energy, or transportation projects.

Technical and Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional expertise in financial modeling with advanced Excel skills capable of creating audited-level project finance models independently.
• Extensive knowledge of PPP, EPC+F contract mechanics, concession legal frameworks, and commercial contract drafting proficiency.
• Understanding of corporate taxation, IFRS accounting standards for SPVs, and regulatory environments governing international banking.
• Strong negotiation and influence capabilities, adept at engaging with senior lenders and governmental representatives.
• Effective communicator able to simplify complex financial concepts for technical teams and executive management.
• Ability to perform reliably under high-pressure conditions and strict deadlines common in international project bidding.