Project Finance Analyst - Renewable Energy

Pty; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced finance professional for a strategic role. The position emphasizes corporate and project finance, ideal for candidates with a strong track record in renewable energy finance. The role offers daily collaboration with an executive team and a clear progression pathway to CFO. Candidates should possess at least four years in renewable project finance and advanced financial modelling skills. This is a full-time, office-based position with travel requirements across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in renewable energy project finance.
• Ability to lead or support project finance transactions effectively.
• Strong financial modelling capability across multiple finance levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support corporate debt processes and financial planning.
• Execute project finance transactions for renewable assets.
• Engage in commercial negotiations with top-tier advisors.

Skills

Financial modelling

Project finance transactions

Corporate finance

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering

CA(SA), MBA, or CFA Level 2

Job description

Introduction

Our client is seeking an experienced finance professional to step into a strategic, office-based role within a fast-growing renewable energy IPP. This position is central to the company’s long-term leadership planning, offering a clear progression path toward CFO for the right individual.

As part of a high-performing executive team, you will operate at the intersection of corporate finance and project finance, supporting and leading transactions across South Africa and broader Sub‑Saharan Africa. The role requires daily in-person collaboration with cross-functional teams and executive management, making in‑office presence essential.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a proven track record in utility‑scale renewable energy, project finance transactions, and advanced financial modelling, looking to elevate into a strategic leadership pathway.

Duties & Responsibilities

Corporate Finance & Strategy

• Lead and support corporate debt processes, cashflow forecasting, shareholder reporting, and long‑term financial planning.
• Perform detailed financial modelling, scenario analysis, and valuation assessments to inform executive decision‑making.
• Contribute to corporate budgeting, capital allocation, and group performance analysis.

Project Finance & Transactions

• Structure and execute project finance transactions for utility‑scale solar, wind, and other renewable assets.
• Prepare and review investment committee materials, lender cases, and financial close deliverables.
• Support and drive due diligence processes (technical, legal, environmental, tax, financial).
• Develop finance‑focused tender submissions for programmes such as REIPPPP.

Commercial & Strategic Engagement

• Participate in commercial and legal negotiations alongside executives and top‑tier advisors.
• Build and maintain relationships with lenders, investors, legal firms, advisors, and shareholders.
• Provide insights into market trends, pricing, regulatory frameworks, and risk assessment.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in renewable energy project finance, corporate finance, or infrastructure finance, with a strong focus on utility‑scale renewable energy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support project finance transactions (non‑recourse debt, financial close processes, etc.).
• Strong financial modelling capability, including project‑level, corporate‑level, and scenario‑based modelling.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or related fields. CA(SA), MBA, or CFA Level 2 highly advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with executives, shareholders, and external partners.
• Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and able to operate under pressure and tight timelines.
• Must be Cape Town or Johannesburg based and able to work in‑office daily.
• Willingness to travel across Sub‑Saharan Africa when required.

What the Role Offers

• A strategic finance position with a clear trajectory toward C‑Suite, including future progression to CFO.
• Daily collaboration with an experienced executive team with a combined track record exceeding 3000MW.
• Direct involvement in corporate finance, project finance, and transaction execution across multiple African markets.
• Exposure to complex deal structures including non‑recourse project finance, debt structuring, acquisitions, and shareholder engagements.
• The opportunity to influence business direction, financial strategy, and long‑term growth decisions across the group.
• High‑impact work within a mission‑driven organisation with long‑term regional expansion plans.

About the Company