Project Finance Specialist

About Us: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

Why DFC? As part of our team, you’ll apply your talents to projects with global reach, helping to move markets and improve lives. We are on the lookout for individuals with the brightest minds, ready to bring innovative ideas and bold approaches to support our mission. By joining DFC, you’ll contribute to advancing global development and U.S. foreign policy while working on collaborative projects that enhance private-sector investment in areas like climate action, healthcare, gender equity, and digital connectivity .

Our Culture: DFC is committed to keeping our mission at the heart of what we do. Our team comprises some of the brightest minds in government, and we pride ourselves on being a place where diverse talent can thrive. We value different perspectives and abilities and are dedicated to tackling big challenges with resourcefulness and an inclusive entrepreneurial spirit.

About the role:

This position is part of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). As a Project Finance Specialist you will be responsible for supporting public and private sector entities that promote and make investments. The incumbent will undertake business development and early execution support and direction for investors to DFC programs.

What you’ll do:

• Works with other U.S. government agencies to support an all-of-government approach to catalyzing U.S. investment in the region.
• Develops strategy for and manage business development efforts.
• Establishes and maintains business relationships with U.S. and foreign corporations, U.S. and foreign commercial banks, relevant business associations, and development finance institutions.
• Makes recommendations concerning new DFC business opportunities; works with U.S. and partner country government officials to identify and facilitate investment opportunities.
• Identifies key potential clients or client groups, associations, industry sectors, regions, and/or target markets on which marketing efforts should focus.
• Reviews projects submitted for DFC support to investment to determine their suitability.
• Performs analyses of: nature of proposed projects; credit-worthiness of sponsor; suitability of proposed technology; key risks related to contractual obligations; financial conditions of project parties; and country-related risks.
• Coordinates with relevant business lines in Washington, DC to develop a term sheet for the transaction and seamlessly transition the project to a deal team to finalize the credit approval and closing.

Experience we’re looking for:

You may qualify at the GS-15 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirements. Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-14 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge and competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position to include experience:

1) managing the business development of international investments or financial transactions.

2) managing multiple international project finance investments.

3) performing the full range of work related to project financing to include underwriting, due diligence, approval process, and negotiation of loan documentation.

4) coordinating with international development finance institutions, financial institutions, or international development organizations on financing international projects in emerging markets.

Note: Education is not substitutional at this grade level.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: This position has a Selective Placement Factor, which is a skill, knowledge, ability, or other characteristic essential for the job’s satisfactory performance. The Selective Placement Factor represents the minimum requirements for this position and is a prerequisite for appointment.

Selective Placement Factor: You must have general professional proficiency (level 3+) in the Spanish language. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factor are ineligible for further consideration.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Must submit resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
• Within 30 days of your start date, you will be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance. Continued employment will be subject to submission of all documentation necessary to obtain the security clearance (including documentation for any accompanying dependents).
• This position will require domestic and foreign travel.
• This position may be eligible for special pay allowances (e.g., post allowance (COLA), post hardship differential, housing, dependent education, etc.).
• The selectee is required to attend pre-deployment training and complete such training to the satisfaction of the DFC.
• The selectee and any accompanying dependents will need to obtain a Department of State medical clearance before being cleared to report to the overseas duty station.
• This is a Term appointment. Selectee(s) will sign a statement acknowledging the term appointment.

Overseas Assignments: Overseas assignment to this location requires a three (3) year commitment. The assignment may be extended based on the needs of the DFC.

• This position is subject to NSDD-38 approval. If the position does not receive NSDD-38 approval, a final job offer will not be made.
• The estimated report date to Guatemala is July 2025; however, the selectee will be expected to onboard immediately in the United States for pre-deployment processing. The estimated report date is only an estimate and may be later or earlier depending on the needs of post and DFC.
• Overseas employees in foreign areas receive the base pay on the GS pay chart with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Additional allowances such as a post hardship differential and Cost of Living Allowance are provided where conditions warrant.
• Potential selectee will temporarily remain in a different location, whether domestic or international, before being authorized to travel to the overseas post. This is to complete the required training and security and/or medical clearances.
• Host nation determines the selectee’s diplomatic status and it is their sole discretion under applicable international law. Diplomatic status must be granted in order to proceed to the overseas post.
• Additional information on living and traveling abroad may be found at http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?ontent_id=184&menu_id=78.
• Information on Guatemala may be found at https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/guatemala/.

Benefits: As a DFC federal employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work-life balance. Benefits include Paid Vacation & Leave Programs, Federal Employee Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Retirement and Savings Plans, Subsidies for Transit and Childcare, an On-site Fitness Center, and a host of Work-Life Balance programs designed to support your professional and personal growth.