Infrastructure Advisory Associate at Zutari

Role Description

• This role will focus on leading and growing Zutari’s offering in infrastructure project packaging—working with public sector clients to define, structure, and prepare infrastructure projects for investment and procurement.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A deep understanding of public infrastructure finance, particularly in the South African context.
• Direct experience with packaging public sector projects for funding and implementation, including transaction advisory support.
• Familiarity with the relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks—including National Treasury guidelines, PPP regulations, MFMA/PFMA requirements, and municipal council approval processes.
• Exposure to development finance institutions (DFIs) and their funding frameworks will be a significant advantage.
• The ability to engage clients strategically and lead the development of high-quality deliverables such as feasibility studies, procurement strategies, investment cases, and financial structuring support.
• The successful candidate will build and manage a small team, contribute to business development, and collaborate closely with both the Development Consulting and LTA/Due Diligence leads to shape a coherent and impactful advisory offering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Zutari’s Infrastructure Project Packaging workstream, shaping strategy, delivery standards, and team development.
• Design and manage the execution of project packaging assignments—typically feasibility studies, procurement support, financial and commercial structuring, and investor readiness assessments.
• Engage with public sector clients to understand their investment challenges and identify solutions aligned with funding mechanisms and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and review critical project documentation (e.g. project preparation frameworks, value-for-money assessments, procurement plans, project structuring reports).
• Provide strategic guidance on compliance with PPP frameworks, National Treasury regulations, and municipal procurement processes.
• Interface with DFIs, commercial lenders, and funding institutions to align project packaging with financing requirements.
• Contribute to thought leadership, client relationship development, and growth of the Infrastructure Advisory business.

Experience and Qualifications
The candidate is expected to bring:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, public policy, engineering, or planning; exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and significant related work experience will also be considered.
• Preferably 10-12 years of professional experience in infrastructure finance, public sector advisory, or related fields.
• Professional registration with, or active affiliation to, a relevant professional body (e.g. ECSA,CFA, , SACPLAN, CESA, or similar) would be a strong advantage.
• Proven experience leading the preparation and packaging of infrastructure projects for investment, ideally for public sector clients in South Africa or the region would be a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of South African public sector finance and procurement, including compliance with the PFMA, MFMA, PPP Manual, and municipal governance procedures.
• Experience working with DFIs, multilateral funders, or international development banks is a distinct advantage.

Additional Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and project management capabilities, with the ability to build and guide a delivery team.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to integrate technical, commercial, and regulatory dimensions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong client engagement and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Management consulting experience.
• Entrepreneurial energy and a willingness to contribute to the growth and direction of the broader practice.