Model Development Analyst at SolarAfrica Energy Pty Ltd

As a Model Development Analyst you will be auditing and enhancing existing financial models, developing new models, and ensuring these models adhere to the standards of SolarAfrica’s project financing framework. You will work closely with the Commercial and Finance teams to ensure financial models reflect the most accurate and credible asset-level data to facilitate decision making and to derive actionable insights.

Position of the job in the organisation:

This person will report to the Business Development Manager.

Principal responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of project-level financial models, ensuring reliability and accuracy of modelling data.
• Conduct scenario analyses and sensitivity testing to identify correlations, trends, and anomalies in renewable energy project-level data.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams to capture the relevant data in support of determining accurate transaction pricing.
• Ensure that model development and maintenance is well documented.
• Provide data visualisations that are necessary to support strategic decision making.
• Contribute to innovation by providing recommendations for the improvement of financial outcomes at project and portfolio levels.
• Any other job duties associated with this role.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics.

Professional Experience:

• 3+ years of proven experience in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling within the renewable energy sector.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB, along with experience using relevant data analysis libraries and tools.
• Familiarity with GIS data, remote sensing technologies, and time-series analysis, particularly in the context of solar PV and renewable energy.
• Understanding of advanced statistical applications including non-parametric regression, Bayesian methods, etc.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for project-related activities.

Specific Attributes:

• Strong mathematical and statistical skills, demonstrated through the application of advanced techniques to renewable energy datasets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey technical findings effectively to non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Attributes:

• Proven track record of contributing to research and innovation in the renewable energy sector, specifically focused on solar PV.
• Experience in academic collaborations and publications that have influenced industry practices and technological advancements.

What Does Success Look Like? 

By month 3:

• I will have appraised existing financial models and identified general and specific performance enhancements.
• I will have presented a comprehensive model development and maintenance plan
• I will have begun collaborating with Commercial and Finance teams to assess whether project-level transactions reflect accurate and credible data for optimal economic performance.

By month 6:

• I will be initiating model enhancement activities in accordance with best-practice financial modelling standards.
• I will be extracting, cleaning, and analysing commercial data sources using various data visualisation tools
• I will have established strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders and providing recommendations for the optimization of SolarAfrica’s product portfolio

By month 12:

• I can independently lead the development of new financial models.
• I can support Commercial and Finance teams on external engagements, presenting financial models in aid of strategic decision making.
• I can provide pricing analysis and recommend future strategies, especially considering updated models and competitor activity

Core Values:

We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently.

• We are passionate and proud of what we do.
• We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult.
• We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together.
• We are dependable and take accountability. 
• No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.