Senior Legal Counsel - Canada

Neoen; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Neoen is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal support for energy projects in Canada, focusing on managing contracts, navigating public auctions, and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. This role requires strong experience in legal matters related to energy and infrastructure projects, combined with negotiation and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Proven legal and claim management experience in energy infrastructure projects.
• Experience in public or private energy auctions and financing.
• Ability to negotiate complex agreements in real estate and energy sectors.

Responsibilities

• Support projects from development through construction and operations.
• Negotiate and manage contracts related to project agreements.
• Handle dispute management, including claims and litigation.

Skills

Legal and claim management

Negotiation

Project lifecycle support

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent legal qualification

Job description

Neoen in Canada

Neoen started its activity in Canada in 2022 and has a current active presence in 3 provinces with offices in Calgary and Toronto.

In Ontario, Neoen has been awarded a 20-year capacity contract by the IESO for a 400 MW BESS project and is also developing a large portfolio of solar, wind, and BESS projects for future IESO procurements.

In Calgary, Neoen has an operating solar farm of 93 MWdc and is developing a large portfolio of solar and BESS projects.

We are also developing a portfolio of projects in Saskatchewan for future SaskPower procurements and other opportunities.

Description of the role

In the context of continuing growth in the Canadian market, Neoen is looking for a Canadian-qualified Senior Legal Counsel to strengthen legal and contract management support for the development and implementation of its projects primarily in Canada and occasionally in other jurisdictions in the Americas.

This position is particularly well-suited for a candidate with proven legal and claim management experience in development, (non-recourse) financing, public or private energy auctions, and the construction and operation of large infrastructure projects, preferably in power generation and renewable energies sectors.

The Senior Legal Counsel will report to the Legal Director-Americas (based in Paris, France).

He or she will support Neoen’s team throughout the project lifecycle: development, bidding, financing, construction, and operation and maintenance.

The legal support covers:

1. Business Development

• Participation in public or private auction processes for support schemes (e.g., long-term off-take or green certificates);
• Acquisition of interests in development assets (assets or shares transfer), including partial acquisitions and co-development arrangements (MoUs, JVs).

2. Project Development and Structuring

• Negotiation of main project agreements including real estate contracts, power purchase agreements, grid connection agreements, EPC and O&M contracts, development, and management agreements;
• Project corporate structuring (SPV, holding, shareholders’ agreements);
• Assistance in environmental and building permits, licenses under local regulations;
• Negotiation of indigenous partnerships.

3. Project Financing

• Addressing issues from lenders’ counsel during due diligence;
• Negotiation of finance documents and participation in closings, in coordination with external legal counsel and project teams.

4. Construction and Operations

• Contract management (amendments, waivers, claims, extensions, damages);
• Management of events like accidents, force majeure, weather-related events, and licensing changes.

5. Dispute Management

• Managing disputes including claims, litigation, arbitration, with support from local counsel.

6. Corporate

• Incorporation of companies and SPVs;
• Ensuring compliance with laws and governance rules; supporting various teams with queries.