Lead Infrastructure Finance (Transacting)

Job Description

• To lead and guide the structuring, development, execution, and implementation of complex infrastructure finance transactions and sustainable financing solutions that support economic development and infrastructure delivery. The role drives innovative financing initiatives, mobilising public and private sector funding, supporting strategic infrastructure investments, and providing specialist advisory services to internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Key Performance Areas:

Infrastructure Finance Modelling and Transactions

• Lead the preparation, structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex infrastructure finance transactions, investment operations, and financing solutions.
• Direct financial analysis and advanced modelling within multidisciplinary project teams, supporting the design of complex financial structures and credit enhancement mechanisms to mobilise commercial capital for infrastructure and development finance purposes.
• Provide strategic advisory services to internal and external stakeholders on the development and implementation of sustainable public and private sector infrastructure investments.
• Work as an integral part of the project/programme team in conducting due diligence, feasibility assessments, commercial evaluations, and financial structuring activities for infrastructure finance projects.
• Drive infrastructure projects are progressed to bankability through effective transaction structuring, risk mitigation, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the execution of credit approval processes and negotiate detailed transaction terms in collaboration with Treasury, Legal, Portfolio Management, and other stakeholders.
• Support the expansion and management of IFISA's infrastructure project pipeline and financing opportunities.

Financial Structuring and Financing Solutions

• Develop and implement financial advisory solutions for the IFISA, including amongst others-mandated lead arranger "MLA" technical, financial, environmental, insurance bank services.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable financing instruments and funding solutions to accelerate infrastructure delivery.
• Design and deliver advanced sustainable financing structures for IFISA clients, including blended finance structures, Public Private Partnerships PPPs, B-BBEE funding structures, local currency financing, guarantees, and derivative hedging instruments.
• Develop and implement complex financing instruments, including project bonds, green bonds, CPI-linked debt, bridging finance facilities, working capital facilities, construction performance bonds, and project preparation facilities.
• Conduct financial modelling, sensitivity analysis, scenario testing, and transaction analysis activities to support investment decisions and transaction execution.
• Support funding mobilisation initiatives through engagement with financial markets, development finance institutions, commercial banks, investors, and strategic partners.
• Provide financial advisory services relating to technical, financial, environmental, insurance, and banking solutions within infrastructure finance projects.
• Access financial markets to fund IFISA investments and operations to foster sustainable economic development, create wealth and improve infrastructure in
• South Africa by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors.
• Guidance and mentorship of Infrastructure Finance Specialists and project teams.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government institutions, development finance institutions, private sector investors, commercial banks, and infrastructure stakeholders.
• Support public sector institutions in the development and financing of Public Private Partnerships PPPs and strategic infrastructure programmes aligned to
• Sustainable Development Goals SDGs.
• Represent IFISA in stakeholder engagements, negotiations, industry forums, and strategic partnership discussions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify investment opportunities, unlock funding, and facilitate infrastructure development initiatives.

Governance and Compliance

• Implement functions in compliance with governance frameworks, investment mandates, risk management requirements, and regulatory obligations throughout transaction lifecycles.
• Prepare and review investment memoranda, transaction reports, governance submissions, Board papers, and Executive Committee reports.
• Support long-term financial planning, portfolio strategy, and infrastructure financing initiatives in collaboration with Treasury and Finance teams.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, financing frameworks, and infrastructure development programmes.
• Perform additional strategic and operational duties as required by the Head of Division.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Quality, accuracy, and robustness of financial models and financing solutions developed.
• Value and number of project approvals, commitments, financial closes, and disbursements achieved.
• Value of infrastructure investment and development catalysed through financing initiatives.
• Value of public and private sector partnerships and funding mobilised.
• Percentage of projects progressed to bankability and successful implementation.
• Effectiveness of transaction structuring, due diligence, and risk mitigation processes.
• Timeliness and quality of investment analysis, governance submissions, and transaction reporting.
• Compliance with governance, regulatory, and credit approval requirements.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with advisory support, financing solutions, and transaction execution.
• Clean audit outcomes and effective resolution of audit findings.

INTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIP *The list is not exhaustive

• Head: Infrastructure Finance
• Head: IFISA
• CEO & Exco
• DBSA Board & Committees
• Relevant DBSA Divisions
• IFISA Team

EXTERNAL LIAISON RELATIONSHIP *The list is not exhaustive

• Infrastructure South Africa
• National Treasury
• Government Departments and SOCs
• Public & Private Sector Stakeholders
• External Service Providers
• Development Finance Institutions
• Capital Markets

Expertise & Technical Competencies

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• A Post-graduate qualification in Development Finance, Finance, Business, Engineering or Economics.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in project finance, the financial and infrastructure finance environment at a senior professional level.
• Experience in investing in infrastructure in emerging markets, ideally in a diversified portfolio in different sectors of infrastructure energy, transport, etc..
• Experience with working on new or innovative projects and programmes, and proven ability to bring ideas from conception to completion.
• Proven experience in project risk identification, management and mitigation.
• In-depth knowledge of the banking sector and financial markets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment for infrastructure procurement in SA.
• Good understanding of infrastructure investments.
• Demonstrable experience in assessing investment transaction opportunities and projects from early review to bankable debt financing deals.
• Experience with working with deal teams and assigning resources to conclude transactions.
• Proven ability to provide value to transactions for the benefit of and/or the client through knowledge of the subject, innovation and lateral thinking.
• Sound experience in private and public sector investments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, processes and procedures governing the infrastructure planning and development in South Africa e.g. PFMA.

Technical Competencies

Risk Identification & Assessment Skills

• Advises on applicable aspects of risk identi