Associate Principal: Power & Renewables Finance at Nedbank

Job Purpose

• To assist in executing and implementing complex transactions with targeted clients of the bank related to lending and other structured transactions (non-vanilla lending), with a focus on energy projects requiring technical understanding of electrical systems and renewable energy solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with the origination, structuring and execution of project finance transactions in the energy sector, with a focus on short-term and long-term debt solutions.
• Assist with the origination, structuring and execution of equity finance solutions.
• Being a sector expert by keeping up with market trends, which may involve attending webinars and conferences as required.
• Support effective execution of transactions by applying your skills; technical knowledge, modelling, negotiating, researching and analysing investment proposals.
• Provide specialist technical expertise and act as a centre of excellence for the Power and Renewables Finance Team.
• Provide strategic insight on the development of renewable energy technologies and energy policy (IRP, TDP, Eskom Cost Recovery Mechanisms, Budget Quote processes etc.).
• Take the lead on the Technical Due Diligence workstream and risk mitigation strategies, working closely with internal teams and Lenders’ advisors to negotiate Project Documents (PPA, EPC, O&M, MSA etc.).
• Take ownership of and actively maintain relationships with LTAs, OEMs and key Industry Bodies (Eskom, IPPO, SAPVIA, SAWEA etc.).
• Assist in identifying new investment opportunities and pitching to clients.
• Assist with the preparation of pricing and credit papers (applications, memos, updates, reviews) and presenting to committees. Ensure completion of high-quality credit papers within specified timelines by planning, scheduling, researching & gathering information, managing own time, reviewing own work and preparing in advance.
• Assist with the review of legal documents to ensure robust contracts and deal documentation and the incorporation of all commercial terms in the legal documents.
• Support the building and maintaining of external stakeholder relationships by networking, attending conferences, maintaining regular contact and ongoing communication, and site visits.
• Meet performance targets by executing transactions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Build and maintain internal stakeholder relationships by liaising and collaborating with relevant stakeholders and facilitating the sign-off of relevant transactions.
• Support the achievement of the business strategy, objectives and values by reviewing Nedbank and Business Unit Plan.
• Sharing knowledge and industry trends within the team and relevant stakeholders during formal and informal interaction.
• Identify training courses and career progression for self through input and feedback from management.
• Ensure all personal development plan activities are completed within specified timeframe.

Preferred Qualification

• Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Renewable Energy Engineering or other relevant Engineering qualification

Minimum Experience Level

• 6+ years of proven Project Finance experience, ideally at an Investment Bank, DFI, Advisor, Institutional Investor, IPP or Developer

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Microsoft Office
• Nedbank culture and values
• Nedbank policies and procedures
• Nedbank vision and strategy
• Principles of financial management
• Principles of project management
• Relevant regulatory knowledge
• Relevant software and systems knowledge
• Research methodology
• Decision-making process

Behavioural Competencies

• Building Partnerships
• Collaborating
• Customer Focus
• Initiating Action
• Work Standards
• Managing Work
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills