Senior Associate

Meridiam; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure investment firm is looking for a Senior Associate to join its Johannesburg team. The role involves managing infrastructure projects under the Public-Private Partnership model, leading team collaboration, and contributing to investor relations. Candidates should have an advanced degree and 5-8 years of experience in project finance, particularly with energy and water projects in Southern Africa. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this position.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and life insurance benefits

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in project or infrastructure finance.
• Experience with Public-Private Partnerships in energy, mobility, or water projects is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all phases of the infrastructure project lifecycle.
• Manage the due diligence process liaising with advisers.
• Lead the preparation and submission of project deliverables.

Skills

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in Economics, Finance or Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

Meridiam recruits a Senior Associate to join the Johannesburg, South Africa team. The selected candidate will work as a member of the operational team to originate, develop and manage infrastructure projects under the Public-Private Partnership model. S/he will also contribute to Investor Relations activities.

S/he will report directly to the Executive Director, South Africa, and will work either under the direct guidance of the project leader in charge or will fulfill the role of project leader. The selected candidate will work on a limited number of projects, in strong collaboration with the project teams, which may be completed by an Investment Director/Senior Investment Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work as a member of the Operational team and contribute to all phases of the lifecycle of an infrastructure project, from origination, to development, investor relations, and portfolio management. This includes in particular the following:

• Contribute to the collection of information for investor ad hoc requests and participate in legal and commercial due diligence for investors,
• Participate to the origination of new opportunities, including performing analysis of market sectors & industries, public sector clients and design, construction or operation partners;
• Participate to the development of Meridiam activities in the Southern Africa region, so as to identify and qualify markets and targeted project in line with fund documentation,
• Lead the preparation and timely submission of all deliverables required during each phase of the project (RFQ, RFP, closing);
• Lead the general risk analysis of the project;
• Lead in the preparation of consortium arrangements including teaming agreements;
• Lead the review and negotiation of legal documents, including concession agreements, design-build agreements, operating agreements and finance documents;
• Manage the due diligence process, including liaising with respective advisers (legal, technical, insurance, model audit) and coordinating required input from construction and operation partners;
• Manage the debt raising process, including dealing with banks, capital markets providers and ratings agencies;
• Manage the financial analysis of the project and in the optimization of the project economics by:

• Performing detailed analysis of financial model;
• Analyzing potential financial alternatives;
• Running sensitivities.

• Manage the drafting of all internal memoranda to be presented to the Management so as to secure approval for Meridiam Investment
• Manage the selection process and coordination of consultants/advisers (legal, financial, technical, insurance, accounting, tax, etc.);
• Manage the ESG process including all relevant due diligence and implementation of mitigation measures and ESIA ation plans as required and in line with ESG/SDG methodology
• Coordinate with Corporate, Finance and HR teams for all relevant matters
• Manage the delivery of the project on time and budget, ensuring Meridiam commitments on both financial and non-financial value creation commitments are respects, and to the satisfaction of the public client, users, and community(-ies),
• Mitigate any potential negative impact on the expected long‑term returns and yield to investors
• Propose reliable information for investor, ESG/SDG & financial reporting purposes
• Other ad‑hoc tasks to be performed in the day‑to‑day activity of the fund manager and the project companies

Required Experience/Skills

• Advanced degree in Economics, Finance or Engineering or another related field
• From five to eight years’ relevant experience in project or infrastructure finance leading project finance bank, private equity firm, fund or investment group including due diligence and transaction execution experience is preferable;
• Experience working on energy, mobility and water infrastructure projects in Public Private Partnerships model would be an asset
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in a small team, proactive and able to take initiatives;
• Solid coordination and organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills;
• Ability to recommend practical ways using innovation, good judgment, creativity and strategic thinking.

Terms & conditions

• Location: role based in Johannesburg, South Africa. This role will include travels in Southern Africa region;
• Package: compensation will be commensurate to experience and qualifications and will include comprehensive medical and life insurance benefits.

Recruitment process

• Availability: Asap and no later than March 2026;
• The recruitment process will involve several interviews with Meridiam team members at various level, as well as with an HR representative. A written test can also be required;
• Reference are checked for the shortlisted candidates.