Corporate Finance Specialist (Debt-Raising)

Department: FinanceLocation: South AfricaDescriptionAllied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.High-Level OverviewThe Client is a South African renewable energy developer and engineering firm that designs, builds, and operates solar PV and battery storage projects for commercial and industrial clients. With a growing portfolio of embedded generation and larger wheeled projects, the Client is entering a growth phase requiring deeper financial planning and capital structuring expertise. The organization is well-established in the clean energy sector and operates with strong governance, experienced leadership, and institutional backing.This assignment will place a Corporate Finance Specialist within the executive team to lead the development and execution of the Client’s debt-raising strategy. The role will focus on assessing project viability, structuring and negotiating debt facilities with local banks, and optimizing capital deployment across the renewable portfolio.Debt-raising will occur roughly once every 18 months, aligned with large projects (100MW or more). Each cycle will span about 60 working days and cover the full financing process — from documentation to lender engagement and negotiation — for portfolios of around R350 million.Role and ResponsibilitiesRole: Corporate Finance Specialist (Debt-RaisingDirect Report: CEO, with dotted reporting line to CFO Candidates Required: 1Key Deliverables: 1. Analysis & StructuringReview, validate, and enhance existing project and portfolio models for use in debt structuring and financing analysis.Collaborate with the asset management and finance teams to integrate operational forecasts, technical performance data, and financial inputs – including revenue, cost, and lifecycle assumptions – into project and portfolio models to ensure accuracy, consistency, and lender readiness. Design optimal capital structures (debt/equity mix, tenor, covenants, and pricing assumptions) to support portfolio-scale renewable investments.Conduct scenario and sensitivity analysis to test project resilience under varying debt terms, tariff assumptions, interest rates, and cost structures.Conduct market analysis and identify target lenders, mapping appetite, credit conditions, and funding instruments across commercial banks, DFIs, and green finance platforms suitable for the Client’s project portfolio.Prepare investment memoranda and financial documentation for internal approvals and lender engagement.2. Transaction Execution & Financing DeliveryLead the debt-raising process from origination to financial close, including lender identification, term-sheet negotiation, and due-diligence coordination.Oversee transaction execution, including loan documentation, drawdown scheduling, and satisfaction of conditions precedent.Coordinate internal and external advisors (legal, technical, and financial) to ensure alignment on structure, compliance, and risk allocation.Explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as sustainability-linked facilities, green bonds, or blended finance structures.Support investor and stakeholder presentations to communicate project bankability, risk mitigation, and financial structure.3. Institutional Strengthening & Knowledge TransferEstablish streamlined financing processes, documentation standards, and model governance protocols for ongoing and future projects.Strengthen internal capability in debt structuring, lender engagement, and project finance execution.Support leadership in developing a long-term capital strategy, including portfolio gearing, refinancing, and capital recycling frameworks.RequirementsExperience Required:6–8+ years in corporate or project finance, preferably within renewable energy or infrastructure.Demonstrated success in debt raising, financial structuring, and bank negotiations.Familiarity with South African financial institutions, DFIs, and project finance frameworks.Technical Requirements:CFA qualification preferred; CA or Master’s degree beneficial but not required.Advanced understanding of financial modelling and integration of technical, operational, and financial inputs into project and portfolio analyses.Strong command of credit analysis, scenario testing, and capital structure optimization.Other Skills:A strategic doer – able to combine portfolio-level perspective with hands-on delivery.Builds trusted relationships with internal teams, lenders, and external advisors.Communicates with clarity and influence across technical and executive audiences.Operates independently with professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.Organized, adaptable, and effective in dynamic, fast-moving environments.Working ArrangementLocation: JohannesburgLanguage: EnglishTravel:MinimalTerms of agreement: Start Date: ImmediatelyContracting Period: 6 Months