Corporate Finance: M&A Associate

This role reports directly to the Group Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

• Support the evaluation, structuring, and execution of investment and M&A opportunities across the Pele platform.
• Perform valuations, sensitivity analyses, and investment risk assessments.
• Support senior team members in the negotiation and review of transaction, equity, and project documentation.
• Assist with the structuring, preparation, and negotiation of debt and equity term sheets, ensuring alignment with transaction objectives and funding requirements.
• Provide solution-oriented insights to enhance transaction outcomes and improve deal processes.

• Review, adapt, and run transaction financial models to support investment decision-making.
• Work closely with external advisors to validate financial model outputs, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with transaction requirements.
• Prepare internal post-acquisition business case scenarios to support investment committee decisions and asset performance monitoring.

• Support the investment process from screening through to financial close (deal origination exposure encouraged but not core).
• Lead and coordinate due diligence processes under guidance from senior team members, including management of advisors and data flows.
• Review financial statements and perform detailed financial and commercial analysis.

• Compile and contribute to investment papers and supporting materials for internal investment committees.

• Project manage post-acquisition integration of assets into the broader Pele business.
• Monitor asset performance against the original investment case.
• Identify and execute value-enhancement initiatives, including refinancing, cost optimisation, and redevelopment opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, advisors, counterparties, and investment partners.
• Contribute to transaction-related and marketing materials.
• Participate in industry conferences, site visits, and transaction-related travel as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years’ experience in M&A, investment banking, corporate finance, or principal investments, with energy and project finance exposure advantageous.
• Transaction experience in South Africa is essential; broader African transaction exposure is preferred but not required.
• Renewable energy sector experience is advantageous.
• Strong financial modelling capability and high level of financial acumen.
• Good understanding of equity, project finance, and transaction documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage transaction processes with limited supervision.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and commercial judgment skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• High attention to detail, strong planning and time management capability.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and outcome-driven, with the ability to perform in a high-pressure environment.
• Collaborative team player with a strong willingness to learn and contribute to team development.