Project finance SME — drawdown management (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Context :
We are looking for a hands-on Project Finance specialist to join an existing local team in São Paulo and build the drawdown management function from scratch on a large greenfield infrastructure project.
The project has just reached Financial Close, the first quarterly lender reporting cycle is already underway, and there is currently no dedicated resource for this function. The role is critical: any delay in delivering the lender package directly blocks disbursement of financing tranches. This is a high-urgency, operational/individual contributor role — not an executive or CFO-level position.

• Start date : immediate

• Duration : approximately 4 months

• Location : São Paulo, Brazil — on-site

• Language : Portuguese fluency highly desirable — advanced English required for international lender communication

Main Responsibilities :

• Structure and operate the quarterly drawdown reporting cycle end-to-end, including processes, templates, and internal approval workflow

• Prepare and consolidate the full lender disbursement package: Construction Progress Report, Disbursement Certificate, Compliance Certificate, and all supporting documentation

• Maintain and evolve the CAPEX Tracker and S-Curve, ensuring alignment between physical progress and financials

• Act as the technical interface with the Independent Engineer (IE), anticipating questions before formal submission

• Monitor compliance with covenants and conditions precedent to disbursement

• Ensure full traceability and auditability of all drawdown documentation

• Anticipate facility agent and lender questions, critically reviewing packages before submission

Profile :

• 8+ years of experience in PMO and/or complex project management

• Proven hands-on experience in project finance with multilateral and/or development finance institutions (IFC, BNDES, or commercial banks)

• Direct operational experience managing drawdown processes with lenders — not limited to senior oversight

• Demonstrated command of CAPEX Tracker and S-Curve (ideally built from scratch, not just used)

• Direct experience interfacing with an Independent Engineer

• Deep understanding of lender-side contractual requirements, covenants, and disbursement conditions

• Prior work experience in Brazil highly desirable — Portuguese fluency strongly preferred

Strong plus :

• Experience on greenfield industrial infrastructure projects (mining, energy, oil & gas, steel) during construction/EPC phase

• Exposure to financing consortia with multiple multilateral lenders simultaneously

Important : candidates with a predominantly executive track record (CFO, Finance Director) without day-to-day operational drawdown experience will not be considered.