Project Finance Lead

About Nesma Renewable Energy:

Nesma Renewable Energy (NRE) is a leading Saudi developer of, and investor in, utility-scale renewable energy projects. NRE is now growing to cover a broader mandate across the energy transition and water infrastructure sectors.

The company has 1.8GW of gross renewable energy capacity and two desalination facilities in its current portfolio and is focused on capturing significant future opportunities being driven by the large-scale investment in greenfield infrastructure in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 programs.

About this opportunity:

Renewable Energy is a central aspect of the Vision 2030 programme. Nesma Renewable Energy is a leading Saudi developer playing an active role in this sector. The business is seeking to add to the existing competence and capability of the team in the following specialist areas:

We are looking for a Project Finance Lead, reporting to the CIO. The position will be based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

To support business growth, a Project Finance Lead is being sought to join the Financing & Investments (F&I) team. This individual will lead the structuring, negotiation, and execution of project financing for utility-scale energy transition (e.g. Solar PV, Onshore Wind, Battery Storage) and water infrastructure projects. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in project finance and financial modelling, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to help drive the bidding and financial close processes of complex infrastructure investments.

There will be a requirement for significant cross-functional working (e.g. with development, portfolio/asset management functions) and business travel.

The F&I function leads commercial structuring, investment analysis/appraisal, business performance, forecasting/monitoring/benchmarking, asset/portfolio valuation, financing (project and business) and financial analysis activities.

Main Responsibilities:

• Deal Structuring & Execution: Lead end-to-end project financing workstreams for greenfield utility projects. To include debt/equity structuring, financial modeling (with support from more junior team members), term sheet negotiations, and development of the full financing document suite for Financial Close processes
• Review and optimize capital structures at project and portfolio level (e.g. non-recourse debt, export credit agencies, green bonds, refinancing opportunities)
• Stakeholder Management: Manage and develop strong relationships with banks, appropriate DFIs, co-investors, legal and financial advisors
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure bankable project agreements and structures
• Risk & Compliance: Mitigate financial, regulatory, and political risks in project and finance documentation
• Ensure compliance with KSA regulations and international standards (e.g., ESG frameworks)
• Strategy: Identify financing trends and capital origination opportunities in energy transition/water sectors across KSA and the GCC
• Advise the CEO, CIO and other senior leadership on optimal financing and funding strategy options
• Team Leadership: Pro-actively seek to improve team effectiveness, tools and processes
• Contribute to the growth of the Financing & Investments function in line with overall business opportunities
• Mentor and develop junior team members

About you

In order to succeed in this role, you will have the following skills and attributes:

• A Proven Leader: 10+ years in project finance, with 5+ years establishing, building, managing teams and closing multiple infrastructure deals
• 10+ years' experience in a relevant project development/investment position (with demonstrable experience of leading financing and financial modelling workstreams)
• Significant exposure to greenfield project finance/long-term concession projects will be considered a strong plus
• A Strong Network: established and flourishing network of professional connections in the project finance lending and advisory space (particularly in KSA and the GCC)
• Sector Expertise: Deep knowledge of renewables, water, and GCC infrastructure projects landscape
• Cultural Fit: Collaborative, adaptable, strong desire to deliver transformative projects in KSA and be based in KSA whilst doing so
• Substantial hands-on financial modelling experience (Project Finance, infrastructure/real assets) with ability to review and construct dynamic models with integrated cashflow, balance sheet and P&L statements
• Deep understanding of project finance structures, principles/precedents and documentation
• Good knowledge of accounting principles and approaches
• Demonstrable understanding of commercial and strategic business considerations
• Experience in project development/equity investment environment a strong plus
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Ability to interact with senior management/other senior stakeholders with confidence and professionalism

Key Activities

• Secure competitive financing (debt, equity, hybrid instruments) for utility projects
• Negotiations with lenders, co-investors, and government partners
• Lead interactions with legal and financial advisors
• Oversee development of project and portfolio financial models, sensitivity analyses, and investment memoranda
• Mentor team members and streamline cross-functional processes and communication
• Help design and implement development and training pathways for team members

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree from reputable institution in Economics/Finance/Mathematics and/or related discipline
• Master's level qualification in relevant subjects is helpful, but not a requirement

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Finance and Accounting/Auditing
• Industries
• Financial Services and Investment Banking