Legal Advisor - Energy & Infrastructure

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Legal Advisor with expertise in Energy and Infrastructure law to support renewable energy projects across South Africa. The role is remote, serving projects nationwide, including Upington in the Northern Cape.

You will draft, review, and negotiate EPCs, PPAs, and financing agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance and managing disputes. A strong SA energy sector background and proactive approach are essential for this strategic position.

Qualifications

• 7+ years post-qualification experience in energy/infrastructure law.
• Experience with project finance and large-scale infra projects.
• Knowledge of South African energy regulations (NERSA, REIPPPP).
• Strong contract negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to work remotely and manage multiple high-priority projects.

Responsibilities

• Advise on development to operation of energy/infrastructure projects.
• Draft and negotiate EPC, O&M, PPAs, and financing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with energy regulations and licensing requirements.
• Manage project risks and disputes across projects.
• Coordinate with IPPs, regulators, and government authorities.
• Support financing due diligence and security arrangements.
• Provide land acquisition and environmental law guidance.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Energy & infrastructure law

Regulatory compliance

Dispute resolution

Remote work independence

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admitted as Attorney/Advocate (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy projects, is seeking a highly skilled Legal Advisor with expertise in Energy and Infrastructure law. This role will be based remotely but will serve the company's extensive operations and projects across South Africa, including significant interests in the **Upington, Northern Cape** region. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support on project development, financing, construction, and operation of energy infrastructure. This includes advising on contractual frameworks, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution. You will work closely with project teams, engineers, finance specialists, and external counsel to ensure the successful delivery of complex, high-value projects. We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of the South African energy sector, exceptional contract negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to legal challenges. This is a strategic role offering the opportunity to shape the legal landscape of a rapidly growing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on all legal aspects of energy and infrastructure project development, from inception to operation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key project contracts, including EPC contracts, O&M agreements, PPAs, and financing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant energy sector legislation, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Manage legal risks associated with project development, construction, and operations.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, government authorities, and independent power producers (IPPs).
• Advise on land acquisition, permitting, and environmental law aspects related to projects.
• Support project financing activities, including due diligence and security arrangements.
• Manage and resolve project-related disputes and claims.
• Stay abreast of developments in the South African energy market and relevant legal frameworks.
• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures within the energy sector.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience in energy and infrastructure law, project finance, or corporate law with a focus on the energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience in advising on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African energy regulations and policy framework (e.g., NERSA, REIPPPP).
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts relevant to the energy sector.
• Strong understanding of project finance principles.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple high-priority projects remotely.
• Experience with dispute resolution in the context of infrastructure projects is an advantage.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• The company is committed to employee development, providing opportunities for advanced training, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
• The fully remote work arrangement offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Additional benefits include access to advanced legal technology, potential for stock options, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge renewable energy projects.
• This position offers a significant opportunity for career growth within a leading organization in the vital South African energy sector.