Associate PPP Advisory Unit

Purpose of Job

The Associate will support the development and execution of infrastructure Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transactions in the Eurasia region, working directly with EBRD’s public sector clients from project identification and feasibility through PPP structuring, tender preparation and procurement support to commercial and financial close.

Working alongside senior members of the PPP Advisory Unit (Associate Director or Principal, depending on the Operational Leader for a project), the Associate will take an active role in delivering transactions, including mobilising donor funding, engaging and coordinating external technical, environmental and social, legal, commercial and financial advisers, and working with public sector clients to develop bankable and commercially viable PPP structures.

The Associate will contribute throughout the transaction lifecycle, including reviewing feasibility studies, developing PPP structures and risk allocation, preparing and reviewing tender documentation, supporting interaction with investors and lenders, and assisting clients through bid evaluation, contract award, commercial close and financial close.

In fulfilling these objectives, the Associate will work closely with public sector clients, private sector investors, lenders, external advisers, donors and relevant EBRD Teams.

Background

The PPP Advisory Unit advises public sector clients with the preparation and procurement of infrastructure PPPs from project identification and conceptualisation, feasibility studies and structuring through government approvals and procurement support until commercial and financial close.

The team is transactions oriented and less focused on policy and capacity building; however, some policy related activities are also needed depending on the project under preparation. Most of the projects are in transport, social infrastructure and utilities sectors, there is also a significant portfolio of social and environmental infrastructure. In the Eurasia region, there are currently several projects in social infrastructure.

The advisory provided to public sector clients in on a cost recoverable basis which requires raising funding from donors and seeking its reimbursement at closure.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The following will be part of the responsibilities of the successful candidate:

• Support the Line Manager in developing and maintaining a pipeline of potential PPP transactions, including identifying and developing project opportunities and potential leads through engagement with relevant internal and external stakeholders;
• For new PPP advisory mandates, support the Line Manager in defining the proposed scope and approach of EBRD’s support and in discussing and negotiating the terms of cooperation with the public sector client, including the scope of services, fee terms, respective responsibilities and arrangements for transaction preparation.
• Support the Line Manager in proactively managing relationships with public sector clients throughout the transaction lifecycle, maintaining regular engagement, understanding client priorities, coordinating inputs and helping to resolve issues that may affect transaction preparation and implementation;
• Support the development and execution of infrastructure PPP transactions, working with public sector clients and the Operational Leader throughout the transaction lifecycle;
• Mobilise donor funding required for transaction preparation, including preparation of internal approval documentation and Terms of Reference;
• Lead the engagement and mobilisation of specialist external advisers, working with EBRD Procurement and other relevant teams;
• Coordinate and critically review the work of technical, environmental and social, legal, commercial and financial advisers during project feasibility and transaction preparation;
• Contribute to the assessment of project feasibility and development of the PPP structure, including commercial structure, risk allocation, bankability and procurement strategy;
• Support the preparation and review of tender documentation and PPP agreements, ensuring that the proposed structure appropriately reflects project risks and market requirements;
• Support clients throughout the project’s tender process, including interaction with prospective investors and lenders, bidder engagement, negotiations and preparation of transaction documentation through commercial close;
• Support transactions through to financial close, including review of financing arrangements and satisfaction of relevant conditions;
• In coordination with the OL, provide input into project design and structuring through engagement with relevant stakeholders, including private sector investors, developers and financial institutions;
• Monitor the performance of advisers and delivery of agreed outputs, identifying transaction risks and escalating material issues to the OL;
• Ensure transactions are prepared in accordance with relevant EBRD policies, procedures, donor requirements and Environmental and Social requirements;
• Prepare required client, donor and internal reporting and presentation materials; and
• Over time, take increasing ownership of transactions and, with appropriate supervision, act as Operational Leader for selected projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• At least five years’ relevant experience in infrastructure/project finance, PPP transaction advisory, investment banking, infrastructure development or investment, gained with a major consultancy/advisory firm, commercial or development bank, infrastructure investor or reputable infrastructure developer.
• Demonstrable transaction experience in infrastructure PPP, renewable energy or project finance, preferably involving a transaction that has reached commercial or financial close. Experience from the public or private side will be considered.
• Strong understanding of PPP/project finance structures, risk allocation, bankability and financial analysis/modelling.
• Experience in reviewing or preparing feasibility studies, financial models, PPP structures, tender documentation and/or transaction agreements would be a strong advantage.
• Commercial mindset and ability to identify and assess key issues affecting the feasibility, bankability and successful execution of PPP transactions.
• CFA, CP3P or other relevant infrastructure, finance or investment qualifications are an advantage.
• Fluency in English. Strong command of Uzbek, Kazakh and/or Russian would be an advantage.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels, including presenting, advising and supporting negotiations, both within the organisation and with