Job Description
Associate Director - Project Finance & Infrastructure

Summary

Scope is looking for an experienced Project Finance & Infrastructure Analyst to join our EU Project Finance & Infrastructure Credit Rating team. This role offers the opportunity to lead credit analysis for infrastructure and project finance transactions across sectors, apply Scope's rating methodology, and contribute to the development of our analytical approach.
We are committed to supporting our team members with the resources, feedback and development opportunities they need to succeed. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives and continuous learning.
Join us at Scope, where your work is impactful, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape the future of finance.
Scope is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Duties & responsibilities

  • Acts as lead analyst for infrastructure and project finance credit ratings, with a focus on asset-based and project finance transactions
  • Leads or supports the analysis and research on new and existing infrastructure and project finance transactions in different sectors
  • Analysis involves quantitative and qualitative aspects and may require visiting project sites around Europe
  • Reviews project agreements, financing documents, key contracts, legal frameworks and the roles and incentives of project parties to identify structural strengths and weaknesses of the rated credit exposure
  • Defines stress assumptions, with appropriate senior review, for the assessment of performance under credit impairment event scenarios
  • Modifies and runs project cash-flow models to incorporate the relevant stresses and obtains the expected loss under stress of rated instruments under different scenarios
  • Contributes to the application and development of Scope's project finance rating methodology across different sectors and project types
  • Produces opinionated rating reports and sector research, demonstrating Scope's fundamental understanding of credit risk in the context of infrastructure and project finance and its trends
  • Participates in rating committees as lead analyst or independent member
  • Supports investor, issuer and sponsor outreach, presenting and explaining Scope's methodology and analytical approach at meetings, conferences and dedicated workshops
  • Develops sector expertise and supports internal and external counterparts on relevant project finance topics

Professional & personal qualifications

  • 7+ years of post-graduate professional experience in a major rating agency, bank, financial advisory firm or investor credit risk team, with a clear focus on infrastructure and project finance
  • Strong financial modelling skills, including the ability to analyse project cash flows, apply rating stresses and support the assessment of project value and potential recovery rates
  • In-depth knowledge of and relevant experience in at least one infrastructure and project finance sector; rolling stock experience is an advantage
  • Experience with corporate hybrid structures, workout situations or restructurings is an advantage
  • Master's degree in engineering complemented with rigorous education in finance; or master's degree in business, economics or finance
  • MBA and/or CFA is an advantage
  • Familiarity with project finance funding instruments such as term loans, project bonds and revolving facilities
  • Knowledge of the relevant legal and regulatory environment
  • Ability to identify key credit risks and develop a robust rating rationale
  • Ability to review large volumes of documentation quickly and accurately
  • Able to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner
  • Professional presence and strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Accountable, reliable and committed to the highest standards of integrity
  • Willingness to take responsibility with an entrepreneurial attitude
  • Fluency in English and at least one major European language; French preferred

The compensation range disclosed may encompass multiple title levels (Scope internal levels of seniority). Your actual compensation will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to your individual experience, education, and seniority, and the final salary will be determined during the interview and evaluation process.
Pay Band:  Associate Director - Project Finance
Minimum:  88,000.00 EUR
Maximum:  115,000.00 EUR

Bonus: Discretionary
Benefits: Scope offers an extensive range of benefits, please check our benefits page for more details.

Interested?
If this sounds like a journey for you, we look forward to learning more from your convincing application. Please note: For non-EU applicants, a valid work and residence permit is a prerequisite for this job position. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor relocation from outside of the EU at this time.

What we want to see

  • Current CV
  • Copy of your university degrees and certificates
  • Criminal record certificate (can be provided at a later date)
  • At least 3 letters of reference (can be provided at a later date)

About Scope Ratings 
Scope Ratings GmbH is part of the Scope Group with headquarters in Berlin and offices in Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan, Oslo and Paris. As the leading European credit rating agency, the company specialises in the analysis and ratings of financial institutions, corporates, structured finance, project finance and public finance. Scope Ratings’ credit risk analysis is opinion-driven, forward-looking and non-mechanistic, an approach that adds to a greater diversity of opinion for institutional investors. Scope Ratings is a credit rating agency registered in accordance with the EU rating regulation and operating in the European Union with ECAI status.

At Scope Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and fairness. We embrace people from all backgrounds, regardless of culture, ethnicity and gender. We ensure that our application processes are free from discrimination. By valuing each individual's unique background and perspectives, we strive to create an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute their best. Our dedication to equality and inclusivity reflects our belief that diversity drives innovation and success.