In-House Counsel - Energy & Resources

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Project exposure

Relocation assistance

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join its Mossel Bay team. The role offers hybrid work, blending office-based duties with remote flexibility in the energy and resources sector.

You will provide regulatory compliance guidance, draft and negotiate complex contracts, advise on project development and financing, and manage disputes.

The ideal candidate holds an LLB, admission as a SA attorney or advocate, and 7+ years PQE in energy law with strong commercial judgment.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience focused on energy and resources law.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts in the sector.
• Strong understanding of SA energy and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on energy and resources law, including regulatory compliance, permits, and environmental legislation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including exploration agreements, joint operating agreements, EPC contracts, and service agreements.
• Advise on project development, financing, and operational matters within the energy sector.
• Manage and resolve disputes and litigation related to energy and resource projects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing the industry.
• Liaise with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external counsel.
• Support M&A activities and other corporate transactions within the sector.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures relevant to the energy and resources business.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic counsel on emerging issues.

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the energy and resources sector, is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join their legal team. This role, based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, operates on a hybrid model, blending office-based work with remote flexibility. You will provide comprehensive legal support on a wide range of matters pertinent to the energy and resources industry, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, project development, and environmental law. The ideal candidate will possess specialized knowledge of the unique legal challenges within this sector and demonstrate strong commercial acumen. This is a vital position that supports strategic business objectives and ensures robust legal and ethical operations. Join a dynamic team in a growing industry and contribute to shaping the future of energy in South Africa. This role is integral to safeguarding our client's interests and facilitating their ambitious projects in the Mossel Bay region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on energy and resources law, including regulatory compliance, permits, and environmental legislation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including exploration agreements, joint operating agreements, EPC contracts, and service agreements.
• Advise on project development, financing, and operational matters within the energy sector.
• Manage and resolve disputes and litigation related to energy and resource projects.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable national and international laws and regulations governing the industry.
• Liaise with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external legal counsel.
• Support M&A activities and other corporate transactions within the sector.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures relevant to the energy and resources business.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic counsel on emerging legal issues.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion focused on energy and resources law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts relevant to the sector.
• Strong understanding of South African energy and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, managing priorities across different work settings.
• Strong ethical standards and professional judgment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and specialization.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialization in a niche legal field.
• Exposure to significant and impactful projects within the energy sector.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Generous annual leave and work-life balance support.