Investment Advisory Specialist

About the Role

Culmen International is seeking an Investment Advisory Specialist to work full time in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. 

This position is located in the Office of Energy (OE) of the U.S. Development FinanceCorporation (DFC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. DFC mobilizesprivate capital to help solve critical world challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreignpolicy. This position’s work will involve providing medium- to long-term funding through directloans and guaranties as a complement to private sector investments.

What You’ll Do in Your New Role

• Conducts in-depth analyses of new loan proposals to determine their financial, technical,economic, legal, marketing, and political feasibility. Performs in depth analyses of the nature ofthe proposed business ventures; the financial statements provided by the sponsors; countryrelated macroeconomic and microeconomic risks; risks related to project contractual obligations;the eligibility, financial standing and business background of the sponsor; and other relatedfactors. Works with and modifies sponsor provided financial projections to assess logical modelconstruction and adequacy of business case assumptions for the proposed DFC financing. Asnecessary, as part of the due diligence process, creates financial models and conductssensitivity analyses to test project assumptions and key economic drivers.
• Negotiates with key interested parties on DFC loan terms, including collateral security andcompletion support, and policy requirements. Coordinates financial plans with developmentbanks, IFC, Export-Import Bank, and commercial or investment banking institutions.
• Consults, as required, with recognized industry experts on the technical aspects ofproposed projects. Obtains information through field visits, correspondence with officials of thehost country, private firm representatives, government personnel and other sources needed toanalyze applications for DFC financing assistance.
• Works directly with Credit Policy and Development Policy in support of negotiations withkey interested parties on DFC financing terms, including collateral security and completionsupport, as well as policy requirements.
• Prepares recommendations and required papers and correspondence. Presents loanproposals to the various approval committees. Reviews and comments on contract, obtains appropriate agency clearances and obtains investor's signature and fee.
• Works with the Managing Director to track the pipeline of transactions and preparesoutcome reports as required for internal and external audiences.
• May serve as senior manager(s) performing duties that encompass programdevelopment and management for an issue/area (region or sector), or assuming a leadershiprole in the conduct of new and/or unique project financings that fit DFC program and strategicgoals. Shall provide the department with in-depth underwriting procedural expertise in businessdevelopment activities and network with international finance institution leaders in order topromote DFC objectives.
• Shall support DFC externally at conferences as required, participating ininterdepartmental activities such as Task Forces, advising representatives of private U.S. firmson the DFC's loan guaranty programs, and other financing programs and initiatives.
• Shall collaborate with parties internal and external to the Corporation (i.e., MF-NCSInvestment Advisor, DFC’s regionally based teams, OE, and other U.S. Government interagencypartners participating in the Mobilizing Finance to determine whether projects arefeasible and should be developed for review by the Corporation approving authorities,committees, and boards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Responds to communications in a timely manner and conducts duties withprofessionalism.
• Reports to DFC OE managing Director.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATION: Minimum of a master’s degree in internationalbusiness/studies, international relations, finance, business, economics, political science, or arelated field.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3 years in the last 5 years with experience in internationalfinance, financial modeling, investments in developing countries, and related skills in thefollowing:

• Experience analyzing and structuring complex international finance capital markettransactions.• Experience with financial modeling and financial statement analysis.• Experience in investments and strategic engagement in developing countries.• Experience or skills in supporting projects that address critical needs.• Experience with financial modeling and financial statement analysis.• Broad and comprehensive knowledge of international business practices.• Evaluating or responding to requests for financial support from entrepreneurs orbusinesses.• Working, often independently or with minimal supervision, on simultaneous projects, in acomplex environment, and under deadlines.• Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills.• Demonstrated ability to produce written materials that are clear and succinct.

• Delivering customer service and resolving customer queries.

Desired Qualifications

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Evaluation preference will be given to applicants who havethe following special skills or knowledge of:

• International work experience, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and/or Brazil.• Experience or skills in supporting forest, agricultural, or other land use activitiesprojects.• Experience evaluating and responding to requests for financial support fromentrepreneurs or businesses undertaking business activities in emerging marketcountries.• Experience evaluating and responding to requests to a development finance institutionfor financial support.• Broad and comprehensive understanding of development finance and the work ofdevelopment finance institutions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or higherlevelclearance.

About the Company

Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision coverage with 100% of the premiums paid by the company for all eligible employees and their eligible dependents (including same or opposite sex domestic partners)
• 401k – Vested immediately and 4% match
• Life insurance and disability paid by the company
• AFLAC Available
• Opportunities for Training and Continuing Education
• 12 Paid Holidays

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com

At Culmen International, we are committed to creating and sustaining a workplace that upholds the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe in the importance of fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.  Our commitment to these principles is unwavering across all our operations worldwide.