Project Finance Director

Company Description

For 170 years, Veolia has been a global leader in providing water, energy, and waste management solutions. Serving public authorities and industries across 58 countries, our comprehensive services are essential to human development and sustainable growth. As we progress alongside economic growth and human development, we continuously adapt and innovate, designing solutions that positively impact the environment and conserve resources.

Veolia focuses on local solutions to purify and preserve vital resources, mitigate resource depletion, decarbonize lifestyles and production methods, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Our mission is to build a better 21st century, and we proudly identify as #resource rs.

Key figures of Veolia Near and Middle East

• Over 3,900 employees in the Middle East (in addition to the nearly 6,000 employees for Enova, which reports directly to Veolia Africa Middle-East for Facility Management and Energy Efficiency contracts in the region)
• A robust local network across the region, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
• 40 years of sustainable partnerships

In the Middle East, Veolia collaborates with industries, governments, communities, and commercial businesses to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions needed today, while maintaining a vision for tomorrow. Through public-private partnerships and innovative contractual schemes, Veolia is dedicated to achieving measurable results with pragmatic, sustainable environmental solutions.

For more information, please visit our Website

Context

Veolia Near & Middle East HQ provides business support and expertise to its various local entities and ensures that the Veolia Group strategy, policies, processes, and tools are implemented appropriately and in a timely manner, as well as customized to our local needs. The role of the finance department is not limited to keeping the company’s accounts. Its influence goes far beyond and impacts all corporate functions.

Main Accountabilities

The Project Finance Director for Veolia Near & Middle East region is responsible for managing all financial aspects of development projects from inception through to operational handover, including acquisitions, greenfield and brownfield developments, M&A transactions, and asset rotation activities. The role serves as the key financial advisor to Business Development teams and reports directly to the Veolia Near & Middle East CFO, based in Dubai.

Detailed Job Description

Financial Modeling & Valuation:

• Develop comprehensive financial models for new projects and M&A opportunities
• Perform detailed valuation analysis and assess financial returns under IFRS standards (including IFRIC 12 and Asset Co/Op Co schemes)
• Challenge cost assumptions and build robust business plans for tender submissions
• Conduct impairment tests and support Long Term Plan growth projects

Risk Analysis & Management:

• Analyze and quantify risks associated with projects including operational (construction and operation), credit default, currency, and interest rate risks
• Review contracts from a financial perspective and build comprehensive risk matrices
• Coordinate insurance matters for Veolia Middle East operations
• Manage bond requirements for projects

Transaction Support & Structuring:

• Oversee M&A project management processes including due diligence, financial planning, scoping, closing, and integration
• Review and optimize financial and legal structuring of projects, including tax considerations
• Structure project financing solutions in collaboration with banks and financial institutions
• Support Commercial teams in preparation and optimization of financial offers during prequalification and tender processes

Documentation & Governance:

• Review and co-draft finance-related provisions in contractual documentation (share purchase agreements, shareholders agreements, service agreements, financing documentation) with Legal teams
• Prepare investment memorandums and presentations for the Group's Investment Committee
• Ensure development projects comply with Group standards and criteria
• Ensure smooth contract start-up and transition to project CFO for awarded contracts

Stakeholder Management:

• Interface with HQ expertise departments / Matrix management (Investment Control, M&A, Corporate Development, Accounting Standards, Tax, Insurance)
• Liaise with external advisors, financial advisors, auditors, and banking institutions
• Participate in financial negotiations with external parties
• Coordinate research and analysis activities to assess strategic impact of opportunities

• Bachelor s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field; MBA or professional qualification (CFA, ACCA, CPA) preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in corporate and project finance, ideally gained in investment banking, multinational corporations, or Transaction Services divisions
• Strong understanding of IFRS accounting standards and their…