Investment Banking Associate - Project Finance & Capital Formation Advisory (Renewables, Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure) (New York)

TEAM BACKGROUND:

With strong ambitions in sustainability and in an effort to help clients successfully navigate a dynamic market environment, BBVA CIB’s financial advisory unit has set up a specialized group with a focus on offshore wind power and energy transition/cleantech sectors (particularly those involving new or nascent technologies such as battery/energy storage, carbon capture utilization & storage, low-carbon hydrogen, transport electrification and biofuels). The group, currently based in Europe, has global geographic coverage serving a large and diversified client base (corporates and financial sponsors).

To better serve clients in the USA and Canada, this advisory group is looking to have on-the-ground presence with a new team being formed in New York City (NYC). Furthermore, given the specificities of the local markets and BBVA presence (including a large PF lending team in NYC), coverage for this new team will also include conventional energy, established renewables and infrastructure sectors. The team will focus primarily on debt advisory (project finance, acquisition finance, refinancing), with potential to include asset-specific M&A scope in the future.

The role comes with high internal and external visibility together with strong career growth potential reflecting BBVA’s talent development focus.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Origination

• Assistance in market research and monitoring/updating of deal pipeline
• Helping originate, maintain and strengthen relationships with clients, potential clients, lenders (banks and institutional investors), tax equity/tax credit investors & due diligence advisors
• Participation in marketing efforts and preparation of pitches/presentation materials (both internal and external)
• Coordination with internal teams (e.g. coverage, Project Finance lending, syndication, Global Markets) to identify opportunities or propose new business ideas and to help convert these into mandates

Execution

• Direct role and involvement in structuring and end-to-end execution of transactions, including ownership of certain deliverables (as delegated)
• Communication with clients on transaction aspects for which the person is responsible
• Preparation and customization of bespoke and detailed financial models and related analyses (optimisation, sensitivities, valuations, model audit)
• Assistance in preparation of deal materials (e.g. information memoranda, info for sponsor and lender approvals)
• Assistance in financing and project documentation review and negotiations
• Liaison and coordination with external advisors for due diligence completion

General

• Training and mentoring of junior members of the team (analysts/interns)
• Fostering cross-selling of CIB products working in coordination with other relevant CIB teams
• Overseeing and contributing in internal and external administrative tasks
• Travelling will be required as part of the role for internal and external meetings

Qualifications

Academic background and previous experience

• Master's degree (desirable: MBA or specialisation in Finance)
• 3-5 years' experience in debt advisory (particularly project finance and acquisition finance) or combined lending + advisory role and/or M&A advisory, with a solid deals list (including financing structures with tax equity/tax credit)
• Experienced analysts or junior associates at investment banks, advisory firms, commercial banks (including those with lending + advisory experience) and from the sponsor/developer side (funds/utilities) will be most relevant for this role.

Technical knowledge and languages

• Strong financial modelling expertise (project finance, valuation, capital stack including tax credits) and analytical skills
• Fluency in English (oral and written)
• Proficiency in Spanish would be a plus (but not a prerequisite)

Licenses

• FINRA SIE, Series 79, and Series 63 licenses (or willing to obtain within 6 months)

Soft skills

• Interpersonal skills with ability to work directly with clients and also being able to mentor junior internal resources
• Team player but also comfortable working independently with limited supervision when needed
• Multi-tasker and able to work under time pressure

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $110,000 to $130,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions