About the position
Head of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) - Construction
About our client
Our client undertakes a diverse portfolio of civil engineering and construction projects, delivering large-scale infrastructure across sectors such as water and sanitation schemes, treatment works, roads, railways, bridges, and dams, while also delivering high-quality buildings and real estate developments. Their expertise spans essential public works and complex engineering structures, supporting sustainable growth and modern urban development across Southern Africa.
1. Purpose of the Role
The Head of PPP will be responsible for transitioning the firm from a contractor to a project developer and equity participant. This role involves securing long-term concessions in infrastructure, energy, and transport, while building strong relationships with financial institutions, DFIs, and government agencies to shape the bankability and financial structure of regional projects.
2. Key Responsibilities
- Departmental Design: Establish the PPP division, define organizational structure, and integrate workflows with tendering and business development teams.
- Financial Sector Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with banks, DFIs, and investors; represent the firm at PPP forums and roadshows.
- Deal Structuring: Lead financial modelling, SPV formation, shareholder agreements, and risk allocation strategies.
- Pipeline Development: Identify PPP opportunities, monitor regulatory frameworks, and originate unsolicited proposals in priority sectors.
- Contract Negotiation: Coordinate negotiations for concession agreements, PPAs, and government-lender interfaces to ensure project bankability.
- Lead the establishment of the PPP division, ensuring full operational launch and departmental readiness within six months.
- Develop and formalize strategic partnerships with key financial institutions, building a strong network of collaborators during the first year.
- Build and sustain a robust PPP project pipeline, targeting opportunities with a cumulative potential value exceeding $1 Billion USD.
- Drive financial close on flagship projects, ensuring successful structuring and completion within an 18-24 month timeframe.
- Oversee bid performance and submissions, achieving strong success rates in RFQ and RFP stages through effective strategy and compliance.
3. Requirements
- B.Com Finance, B.Sc Economics, or B.Eng with focus on Project Finance.
- Professional qualification: CA(SA), CFA, or MBA from a top-tier business school (mandatory).
- Certification in Project Finance or PPP Professional (CP3P) desirable.
- Minimum 7 years in infrastructure or finance.
- At least 7 years in Infrastructure Finance, Investment Banking, or PPP Project Development.
- Proven track record of achieving financial close on at least three PPP or IPP projects valued above $750M USD.
- Strong exposure to Southern African financial institutions and government agencies.
4. Core Competencies & Skills
- Mastery of project finance structures (non-recourse, limited-recourse).
- Deep knowledge of concession law, procurement regulations, and PPP models (BOT, BOOT, DBFO).
- Strong financial modelling and risk analysis skills.
- Behavioural strengths: high-level networking ability, meticulous precision, entrepreneurial drive, and resilience in long project cycles.
Desired Skills:
- Advanced Project Finance
- Legal & Regulatory Acumen
- Financial Structuring
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Leadership
