Project Finance Lawyer

Buchanan Law; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm is seeking a Project Finance Associate for its new office in Riyadh. This is a unique chance for candidates with solid experience in project finance or development to join a firm at a formative stage. You will gain direct exposure to significant projects across the Middle East, collaborating with partners and contributing to the office's identity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project documentation, ideally in an international law firm setting, and familiarity with the regional landscape.

Benefits

Competitive Middle East package and benefits

Two-stage interview process for strong candidates

Opportunities for cross-office collaboration and travel

Qualifications

• Strong background in projects or project finance, whether developer-side or finance-side.
• Candidates must already be based in the Middle East due to regional familiarity requirements.
• International law firm experience preferred, especially combined with in-house background.
• Knowledge of EPCs, PPAs, concessions, shareholder agreements, and financing documents is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Work on high-profile energy, infrastructure, transport, and social development projects.
• Collaborate closely with partners in Riyadh and Dubai on project developments.
• Engage in drafting and negotiating key agreements and financing documents.
• Develop understanding of financing based on project documentation.

Skills

Project finance expertise

Fluent in Arabic

Familiarity with project documentation

Strong international law firm background

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Project Finance Associate – 3-7 PQE

A leading international law firm is seeking to appoint a Projects or Project Finance Associate to join its rapidly expanding Riyadh office. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to join a brand-new platform at a formative stage. The office only opened in June and is currently led by three highly respected partners with four associates and one counsel, working in close collaboration with the firm’s established Dubai hub. This is an ideal moment for an ambitious projects lawyer to become part of a growing regional team with exposure across the Middle East.

The successful candidate will have the chance to work directly with senior partners in both Riyadh and Dubai, including the firm’s projects leadership, gaining hands‑on experience on some of the most high‑profile energy, infrastructure, transport and social development projects in the region. The work will include a broad blend of project development, project finance and advisory mandates. Associates will regularly work with the projects partner in Dubai, alongside two experienced associates, with frequent collaboration across offices and opportunities for travel.

The projects practice advises governments, major regional developers, international sponsors, ECAs, banks and investors on landmark projects that are shaping the Gulf’s economic transformation.

The team handles the full spectrum of work : from early-stage development and structuring, to drafting and negotiating EPC, O&M, concession and shareholder agreements, through to complex multi-source financings, refinancing's and long-term project support. For those from the project finance side, the role offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of underlying project documents and support financings across energy, water, renewables, transport, PPPs and giga-projects. For those from the developer or construction side, the role offers a path to broaden into the financing aspects of major projects.

Because the Saudi market is growing at exceptional pace, this role provides genuine influence, early responsibility and the chance to help define the office’s long-term identity. The firm is flexible on background and open to candidates who may have come from in‑house teams, provided they have strong grounding in projects and ideally some international law firm exposure. Being in the region already is important, as the team is looking for individuals who understand the local landscape and can integrate quickly. Arabic speakers and Saudi nationals are especially encouraged to apply, but the team remains open to strong regional candidates regardless of nationality.

Who We’re Looking For

• Strong background in projects or project finance, whether developer-side or finance-side.
• Candidates must already be based in the Middle East, as regional familiarity is essential.
• Saudi nationals with projects experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates fluent in Arabic, even if not Saudi nationals, are also highly valued.
• Strong regional candidates who may not speak Arabic will still be considered if they bring robust projects expertise.
• Familiarity with key project documentation (EPCs, PPAs, concessions, shareholder agreements, financing documents, etc.) is important.
• International law firm experience preferred; in-house experience is welcome, especially where combined with prior private practice training.
• Ambitious, collaborative individuals who are motivated to help build and shape a growing office.

Working Model & Package

• Riyadh-based role with regular cross-office work and travel to Dubai.
• Competitive Middle East package and benefits (details discussed in process).
• Two-stage interview process; early in the search with space to move for strong candidates.