Project Finance Specialist

Sandton, South Africa

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: PROJECT FINANCE SPECIALIST

CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

 JOB PURPOSE:

The Project Finance Specialist is responsible for evaluating, structuring, financing and coordinating strategic energy infrastructure projects and investment opportunities to confirm financial viability, bankability and long-term value creation for CEF and its stakeholders.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A postgraduate degree (NQF 8) in Accounting, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Project Management, Project Finance and Infrastructure Finance or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 3 -5 years of experience in similar role is required, preferably in energy.
• Professional Registration or progress towards registration is required:

• Chartered Accountant (South Africa) [CA(SA)]
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• ​Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES:

• In-depth knowledge of project finance principles, methodologies, and transaction structures applicable to infrastructure, energy, and large-scale capital projects.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance, infrastructure finance, energy sector economics, and investment decision-making frameworks.
• Proven expertise in financial modelling, project finance modelling, infrastructure valuation, corporate valuation, and economic modelling techniques.
• Extensive experience in debt and equity financing structures, lender requirements, syndicated funding arrangements, and capital raising processes.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, capital allocation principles, and funding strategy development
• Expertise in investment appraisal methodologies, business case development, capital budgeting, and financial feasibility assessments
• Proven experience in mergers and acquisitions, due diligence processes, transaction evaluations, and commercial negotiations
• Strong understanding of PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Procurement Frameworks, governance requirements, and regulatory frameworks applicable to energy and infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of ESG principles, sustainability financing frameworks, and responsible investment practices
• Experience in commercial structuring, contract evaluation, risk allocation mechanisms, and project bankability assessments
• Demonstrated ability to develop, review, and optimise complex financial models to support investment and funding decisions
• Ability to conduct financial statement analysis, financial forecasting, sensitivity analysis, scenario modelling, and risk assessments to support strategic decision-making
• Experience in managing financial close processes, coordinating stakeholders, lenders, advisors, and project sponsors throughout transaction lifecycles
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify value drivers, evaluate opportunities, and recommend financially viable solutions
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and transactions simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgement, accountability, and results orientation
• Proven leadership capabilities, collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, adaptability, and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in advanced Excel modelling, Power BI, financial analytics tools, and other relevant financial software applications

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Project Development and Financial Structuring

• Assess project bankability and funding requirements as per the approved framework

Financial Modelling and Valuation

• Develop and maintain integrated financial models. Perform DCF, IRR, NPV, sensitivity analysis and valuation assessments.

Fundraising and Financial Close

• Coordinate lender engagement, debt raising, equity raising and blended finance opportunities. Support financial close activities.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Conduct acquisition screening, valuation, due diligence and transaction support for acquisitions, partnerships and strategic investments within the specific framework.

Commercial and Transactional Management 

• Coordinate commercial negotiations with partners, lenders, off takers, EPC contractors and service providers.

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

• Coordinate financial, technical, legal, tax, environmental and commercial due diligence processes.

Finance, Investment, Projects Committee and Board Support

• Draft investment memoranda, business cases, Board submissions and financial reports.

Stakeholder and Investor Management

• Coordinate the engagement of financiers, DFIs, commercial banks, development partners, investors and government stakeholders.

Portfolio Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor project financial performance against approved investment cases. Track key financial indicators.

Publish date:    15 July 2026

Closing Date:   19 July 2026

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which include criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority, and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right not to fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.

Department:EPD

Contract Type:Permanent

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