Associate, Energy & Infrastructure, Client Coverage

This opportunity within Liberty's Energy & Infrastructure sector coverage team in Johannesburg calls for a sharp analytical mind and a proactive approach to client engagement within the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division. The role is pivotal in providing essential sector expertise and in-depth analysis to support CIB's strategic objectives and client franchise.

About the role

The core function of this Associate position is to drive a deep understanding of the energy and infrastructure landscape. This involves conducting comprehensive sector research, performing detailed financial modelling, and distilling complex information into actionable insights. These insights will be instrumental in positioning the team as leaders in their sector, influencing client strategies, and supporting the origination and execution of significant transactions. You will be expected to stay ahead of market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities, ensuring the team maintains a competitive edge.

The role demands a strong ability to synthesise information from various sources, including financial statements, market data, and due diligence reports, to build and maintain robust sector forecasts and financial models. The output of this analytical work will directly inform sector insight reports, client presentations, and pitches, requiring a keen eye for detail and a commitment to professional standards.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of analytical and client-facing activities:

• **Develop and maintain sector expertise:** Continuously research, analyse, and summarise market developments, industry trends, and client-specific information within the energy and infrastructure sectors. This includes building and updating financial models to assess the competitive landscape and generate insightful analytics.
• **Support transaction origination and execution:** Provide timely and high-quality deliverables to support the origination, structuring, and execution of deals. This involves drafting and revising client proposals, pitch books, presentations, and market updates, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• **Data analysis and reporting:** Collate, analyse, and summarise relevant data from diverse sources to maintain an up-to-date sector database. Generate charts, dashboards, and other visual aids to support sector insight reports and client engagements.
• **Client engagement support:** Assist in preparing materials for client meetings, ensuring all information is presented confidently and creatively, with swift and accurate availability.
• **Internal collaboration:** Build and nurture relationships with internal stakeholders across CIB, including product lines, risk, and legal departments, to gain a thorough understanding of products, processes, and policies.
• **Risk and compliance:** Ensure strict adherence to all applicable CIB policies, systems, processes, and procedures, maintaining compliance with risk, regulatory, and business control requirements.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, candidates will need a solid foundation in financial analysis and a proven track record in a relevant corporate or investment banking environment. Key qualifications and experience include:

• A first-degree qualification in Business, Commerce, Finance, or Accounting.
• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience in conducting research, analysing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
• Proven experience in compiling client documentation such as presentations, pitch books, and memoranda, demonstrating the ability to package insights for client value.
• A demonstrated understanding of a specific sector within Energy & Infrastructure and the broader CIB value proposition, enabling effective sector origination.
• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and financial modelling and valuation techniques.
• Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• A working knowledge of the regulatory environment relevant to the sectors in which CIB operates, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Experience in portfolio management, including internal stakeholder collaboration, compliance, reporting, and middle office support.
• While not essential, prior experience within a corporate & investment banking product environment (e.g., investment banking, global markets, or transactional banking) would be advantageous.

In South Africa, roles involving financial analysis, client coverage, and investment banking within large financial institutions typically offer competitive remuneration packages. Career progression can lead to senior analyst, vice president, and director-level positions, with opportunities to specialise further or move into broader client relationship management.

Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: Business, Commerce, Finance or Accounting 

Experience Required

At least 3-4 years track record conducting research, analysis, interpreting and packaging qualitative and quantitative data and compiling client documentation ( i.e. presentation / pitch books, memoranda, and other presentation materials) to share insights and create client value

3 – 4 years demonstrated understanding of a specific sector and the overall CIB value proposition to enable effective sector origination.

3 - 4 years Advanced User experience in PowerPoint, Excel, Financial Modelling and Valuations 

3-4 years demonstrated experience working in cross functional teams, to deliver comprehensive client experience.

3 – 4 years understanding of the regulatory environment for a relevant sector in which CIB operate, to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

3-4 years’ experience in portfolio management - internal stakeholder collaboration, compliance, reporting, middle office support, etc.

2 – 3 years’ experience within a corporate & investment banking product environment such as Investment banking, Global markets or Transactional banking would be preferred