Pretoria: Investment Intern posted by IX Engineers

About the Role

IX Engineers is seeking an Investment Intern to join their team in Pretoria. As an Investment Intern, you will be responsible for supporting various aspects of project development and investment decision-making. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of project finance and infrastructure investing.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in evaluating greenfield and brownfield infrastructure and energy projects.
• Conduct preliminary bankability assessments, considering technology, sponsor strength, and contractual arrangements.
• Prepare project summaries highlighting key risks and mitigation measures.
• Support the development and review of project finance cash flow models.
• Assist with debt sculpting, Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) analysis, and covenant testing.
• Review assumptions related to tariffs, operating costs, inflation/escalation, and financing structures.
• Perform sensitivity and downside scenario analyses for lenders and investors.
• Analyse project structures, including SPVs and contractual risk allocation.
• Review key project agreements such as: Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), EPC contracts, O&M contracts, Project financing structures, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
• Strong written and verbal communication to summarise complex financial and project risks clearly and concisely.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

Financial & Analytical Skills

• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities.
• Understanding of: Cash flow-based valuation, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and debt sizing principles.

Financial Modelling

• Basic to intermediate Excel proficiency.
• Ability to understand, review, and interrogate project finance models.
• Familiarity with financial assumptions and scenario analysis.

Project Finance & Commercial Knowledge

• Understanding of how project contracts influence project risk and cash flows.
• Knowledge of: EPC contracts, O&M contracts, Offtake agreements/PPAs, Project financing structures, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).

Communication & Professional Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication to summarise complex financial and project risks clearly and concisely.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Curious and eager to learn.
• Ethical and professional.
• Disciplined and resilient.
• Comfortable working with incomplete information and in fast-paced deal environments.

Sector Interest

• Strong interest in: Renewable energy, Infrastructure investing, Project finance, Development finance, and Project-based investments

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum qualifications: Final-year undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Energy Studies, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.
• Preferred qualifications: Honours or Master’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Energy, Development Finance.
• Graduate or 0–2 years of experience.