Financial Structuring Specialist at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

• The Financial Structuring Specialist will be required to conduct financial analysis, structuring and modelling to ensure that projects are financed using appropriate models and structures.

Key Responsibilities    
Key Performance Areas:

Financial Structuring

• Prepare an in-depth analysis on project finance models suitable for investment analysis, debt structuring and operational scenario evaluation to enable investment/financing decisions.
• Conduct financial analysis and design, structure and formulate funding models aligned to each programme’s requirement and support with fundraising negotiations.
• Consult with the Programmes Units/Teams to establish programme information and provide recommendations for structured funding solutions for projects.
• Develop and implement various innovative financing instruments to unlock and accelerate water infrastructure delivery.
• Conduct financial and sensitivity testing, which are critical in determining the effects and changes in input variables on key financial outputs.
• Appraise the project and prepare an appraisal report for the preparation facility and present to the WPO decisionmaking structure for approval.
• Conduct due diligence for infrastructure finance operations with a special focus on structuring financial solutions for raising new funding and debt restructurings.
• Develop and deliver sustainable financing structures, models and solutions for WPO projects and clients through various products which include (amongst others) blended finance structures, Public Private Partnerships (PPP) structures, B-BBEE funding structures, local currency funding, guarantees and derivative hedges, Performance Based Contracting. Franchising models, etc.
• Develop and implement financial advisory solutions, including (amongst others) technical, financial, environmental and insurance bank services.
• Provide input in the preparation and negotiation of contracts, considering the financial impact using the financial model.
• Conduct the financial appraisal of proposed transactions:
• Provide advice to the WPO in advancing financial close activities of projects;
• Review and prepare procurement documents that include financing information;
• Draft and review financial structuring sections for requests for expression of interest (REOI), requests for qualification/quotation (RFQ) and requests for proposals (RFP);
• Review and provide input for financial structuring sections of agreements, progress reports, project planning management, project management, disbursements management, waivers and amendments, contract management, etc.
• Facilitate and support projects’ closure; and
• Perform other strategic duties and support to the WPO and Head: NWPP as assigned.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at global, regional, and local levels, including businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop specific financing opportunities.
• Manage relationships at various levels with the relevant project stakeholders, partners, and lead promoters, in accordance with the project’s preparation objectives and products.
• Identify key stakeholders and develop a pipeline of potential funders, contributors and partners for programme development initiatives.

Key Measurements of Outputs:

• Number and quality of new innovative funding models and mechanisms designed
• Quality and effective financial models and solutions
• Number of projects successfully prepared (structured) and that reach financial close for implementation
• Value of infrastructure catalysed
• Value of Private & Public Sector partnerships and funding
• Management of relationships with new/existing clients and service providers

Expertise & Technical Competencies    
Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering or Finance

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 8 years demonstrable experience in project finance, the financial and infrastructure finance arena and the design and structuring of funding models and mechanisms
• Specific experience in doing business in South Africa is a requirement
• Experience in project finance and/or infrastructure finance, financial modelling and project finance/investment banking experience
• Proven ability to negotiate and close infrastructure deals
• Experience in project risk identification, management and mitigation
• Experience with working on new or innovative projects and programmes, and proven ability to bring ideas from conception to completion
• Experience in supporting the preparation of projects resulting in the implementation of projects on a Corporate Finance, Project Finance or Structured Finance basis
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the project preparation cycle and requirements to prepare bankable projects
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the water sector
• Proven ability to build a project finance model using Microsoft Excel/workbook and calculation algorithms premised on accounting rules for investment purposes.
• Knowledge of the banking sector and financial markets.
• Knowledge and understanding of all legislation relevant to the business of DBSA/WPO, as well as the water sector (i.e., PFMA, MFMA, PPPFA, NWA, WSA, etc.)
• Strong knowledge and experience in working with the local government planning cycle and processes.
• Knowledge and experience in Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Demonstrable track record of working with high-level government stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the complex regulatory environments of municipalities/metros, state-owned enterprises and other government entities in South Africa
• Demonstrated sound understanding of limited recourse and balance sheet funding, the process required to prepare projects, and financing documentation required to present projects for investment decision.

Desirable Requirements

• A post-graduate qualification in Business, Economics, Engineering or Finance
• CA, CFA or MBA
• Development finance experience

Deadline:22nd May,2026