Overview
Director Project Finance Jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Acwa
The Director Project Finance will independently lead and oversee multiple transactions and transaction teams within the Project Finance Department, ensuring best-in-class transaction structuring, documentation, and valuation. The role focuses on balancing risk and return to deliver sustainable value to the organization.
Key Accountabilities Functional Responsibilities
- Lead the timely delivery of competitive financing solutions for tenders, greenfield developments, and structured financing transactions through to financial close
- Provide strategic financial advisory to Business Development on bankability, project economics, tariff optimization, and risk allocation
- Support project companies and Portfolio Management post-financial close, including refinancing, waivers, and performance reviews
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with banks, financial institutions, DFIs, ECAs, asset managers, and rating agencies
- Monitor and benchmark financial markets, including pricing trends, liquidity, and risk appetite
- Oversee the appointment and coordination of external advisors (financial, legal, tax, technical, insurance, ESG, and model auditors)
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop junior team members to build a high-performing finance team
- Drive delivery of departmental KPIs aligned with strategic objectives
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
- Establish and enforce best practices in financial modeling and transaction documentation
- Support visibility of project finance achievements through industry publications in collaboration with senior leadership
- Ensure adherence to organizational policies and governance standards across teams
Governance
- Represent the organization on subsidiary Boards and Board Audit Committees
- Provide financial oversight, identifying risks and opportunities at the subsidiary level
- Identify and contribute to organizational transformation initiatives and process enhancements
Implement best practices aligned with industry standards and evolving market conditions
Communication & Working Relationships Internal
- Business Development
- Legal (Projects)
- CFO Functions (Tax, Accounting, Treasury)
External
- Banks and financial institutions
- Investors and equity partners
- Rating agencies
- External consultants and advisors
- Contractors and project stakeholders
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, or Engineering
- Preferred: MBA, CA, CFA, or equivalent professional qualifications
Experience
- 8+ years of experience in project finance within a developer, bank, or financial institution
- Strong sector experience in infrastructure, energy, or renewables
- Proven track record of leading and closing complex financing transactions
- Strong experience within the KSA or GCC region
- Advanced financial modeling and valuation expertise
- Strong negotiation skills across complex, multi-party financing structures
- Deep understanding of global financing markets, instruments, and trends
- Ability to assess and allocate complex project risks
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to present complex financial insights to senior leadership
- High resilience and ability to perform under pressure
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Title: Director Project Finance
Company: Acwa
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Category: