Senior Specialist Financing Strategy

Job purpose

The Specialist/Senior Specialist Financing Strategy will play a key role in supporting the development and execution of the Group's funding strategy and managing Project Finance transactions across the Group's portfolio of subsidiaries. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, financial structuring expertise, and cross-functional coordination skills. The position is suited for individuals with an interest or background in finance, portfolio management, and investment.

The position does not have direct reports but involves significant collaboration with internal stakeholders and external financial institutions.

The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani's government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

1. Group Funding Plan & Strategic Initiatives:

• Support in the development and periodic review of the Group's medium to long term funding needs.
• Prepare the Group's Funding Plan in line with the overall investment activities and in a manner consistent with the Group's policies and procedures.
• Manage the Group's Funding Plan, monitor the Group's funding needs and provide recommendations on how to meet various funding requirements.
• Conduct reviews and analysis (including sensitivities) of the Group's Business Plan and Group Financial Model.
• Analyze capital structures of Group subsidiaries and growth projects, liquidity needs, and funding options. Make recommendations on optimal capital structures.
• Adopt and maintain different analysis tools to report on the outcomes of the Group Funding Plan for strategic decision making.
• Support the wider OQ SAOC Treasury in the preparation of information required to transact in the debt capital markets (including term loans, bonds, and other liquidity lines).
• Provide financing related inputs for OQ's Group Business Plan.
• Act as a focal point between Treasury (Financing Strategy) and investment committee/board secretary to arrange for key updates and provide recommendations in decision-making sessions.
• Identify key risks related to the Group's Funding Plan and the ability to meet funding requirements.
• Act as a reviewer of financing and cashflow assumptions for new investments (Stage Gate Reviews).

1. Project Finance Transactions:

• Assist in developing project financing strategies and capital structures to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the Group's capacity and borrowing.
• Support the Growth function in developing appropriate capital structures and financing strategies during the feasibility period.
• Work on reviewing project feasibilities and capital raise for new projects (debt raising exercise).
• Work with the Portfolio function to assess existing capital structures in Group assets.
• Review Project Finance transactions across the portfolio and support subsidiary teams in the execution in alignment with shareholder values and requirements.
• Manage OQ's financial advisory mandates and act as a focal point between OQ SAOC and advisors.
• Maintain regular communication with key lenders (Banks and Export Credit Agencies), develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and international lenders.
• Actively participate in relevant conferences and events.
• Identify key risks to projects and OQ and suggest monitoring tools and mitigants.

1. Other Requirements:

• Stay updated regarding the latest financial and economic news for the country and the region.
• Monitor market trends, interest rates, and macroeconomic indicators to support in the decision-making process and highlight impacts to the Group Funding Plan.
• Promote and encourage continuous learning and development among team members, including knowledge sharing activities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, processes, procedures and controls. Continuously identify and recommend improvements while ensuring compliance with Group guidelines, international / local standards and relevant legislation.

Key interactions

Internal: Finance, Growth, Portfolio, Legal, Strategy, different OQ subsidiaries, management and board of director committees.

External: Oman Investment Authority (OIA), Ministry of Finance, Banks, Export Credit Agencies, Investment and Financing Funds, Financial Advisors and other Project Finance Advisors.

Notable Working Conditions.

• Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.
• This role may require local and international travel on an ad-hoc basis.

Education requirements

Minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree in: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, or equivalent.

Or

Relevant post-graduate qualification or professional certificates (e.g. Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA).

Language

Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)

Background and experience:

Senior Specialist: 6+ years relevant experience in similar role with experience in financing or investment holding roles.

All:

• Deep Understanding of Financial Modelling tools/software
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word Excel, Power point.
• Exposure to banking related environment and knowledge of banking transactions, communications, and language

Competencies and skills:

Soft:

• Highly organized, detailed oriented and able to work independently.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to coordinate tasks between different individuals and stakeholders.
• Collaborator (team-player).

Technical:

• Financial Modelling.
• Computer literacy including MS Office.
• Relevant analytical competencies.
• Monitoring of Group, subsidiary, and project forecasts, and funding requirements.