Project Finance Director

Overview

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.

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.

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 application to complex transactions
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills
• Solid knowledge of corporate tax structures and business contracts
• Experience with project finance structuring and debt financing arrangements
• Expertise in structuring bankable non-recourse project financing
• Ability to coordinate technical, legal, and financial due diligence for bankability
• Familiarity with Near & Middle East markets and the soft mini perm-concept
• Fluent English required;
  Arabic or French is a plus

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong anticipatory skills to identify potential issues before they arise
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse stakeholders
• Strong negotiation skills…