VP - Project Finance

National Bank of Kuwait; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

National Bank of Kuwait is seeking an experienced project finance professional in New York to underwrite, structure, and close complex transactions across energy, LNG, data centers and transportation projects.

The role involves due diligence, financial modeling, risk assessment, and ongoing portfolio monitoring, with strong interaction with borrowers, sponsors, and banks. 7+ years in banking and a finance-focused degree are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 7+ years of commercial banking experience.
• Experience underwriting project finance and managing portfolios.
• In-depth knowledge of infrastructure sectors (energy, LNG, transport, utilities).
• Strong financial modeling, Excel, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation, underwriting, structuring, approval, and closing of project finance transactions.
• Conduct due diligence across financial, technical, legal, and market aspects and identify risks.
• Review financial models, cash flow, covenants, and sensitivities.
• Prepare memoranda and presentations for internal approval committees.
• Coordinate with borrowers, sponsors, and banks through closing and monitoring.
• Monitor portfolio performance, covenant compliance, and risk indicators.
• Support business development and growth in project finance platforms.
• Maintain compliance with bank policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Credit underwriting

Financial modeling

Risk analysis

Portfolio management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Partner with the Group Head and other stakeholders to underwrite, execute, and monitor project finance transactions, with a focus on infrastructure sectors including energy, LNG, data centers, transportation, and related assets. Serve as the primary execution officer for transactions from initial evaluation through closing and ongoing portfolio management. Support broader structured finance and corporate lending activities as needed.

Prepare credit proposals, conduct due diligence, manage internal approvals, and support the continued growth of the Bank's project finance platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, underwriting, structuring, approval, documentation, and closing of project finance transactions.
• Conduct financial, technical, legal, market, and other due diligence and identify key transaction risks and mitigants.
• Review and maintain financial models, including debt sizing, sensitivity analysis, covenant testing, and cash flow assessments.
• Prepare credit memoranda and presentations for internal approval committees.
• Review financing and legal documentation and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders through closing.
• Manage transaction execution processes and serve as a primary contact for borrowers, sponsors, agent banks, advisors, and other market participants.
• Monitor portfolio performance, including operating and financial results, covenant compliance, project progress, loan activity, and other key risk indicators.
• Review borrower reporting, engineer reports, and other information to identify emerging risks and recommend appropriate actions.
• Manage amendments, waivers, refinancing, and periodic credit reviews.
• Update risk ratings and support portfolio stress testing and concentration analysis.

Strategic Support

• Monitor market, regulatory, and industry developments affecting project finance and infrastructure sectors.
• Support senior bankers in business development, portfolio strategy, and growth initiatives.
• Strong credit, underwriting, and risk analysis skills.
• Strong project finance modeling and cash flow analysis capabilities.
• Ability to negotiate, document, and manage complex financing transactions.
• Effective relationship management, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities while exercising sound credit judgment.

Compliance Requirements

• Comply with all Bank policies, procedures, internal controls, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain credit files and documentation in accordance with regulatory and records‑retention standards.
• Complete all required compliance and regulatory training.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field.
• 7 years of commercial banking experience, including project finance underwriting, execution, portfolio management, or credit risk analysis.
• Experience across infrastructure sectors such as energy, LNG, power, renewables, transportation, digital infrastructure, and utilities.
• Strong financial modeling skills and proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.