Legal Advisor - Energy & Infrastructure Projects

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Pension fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Legal Advisor for its Richards Bay team. You will support development, financing, and execution of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal.

The role combines hands-on drafting, regulatory compliance, and risk management with a hybrid work model in Richards Bay. The ideal candidate is an admitted SA attorney with 5+ years PQE in project finance or infrastructure law, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to liaise with lenders and

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years PQE in project finance, energy or infrastructure law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex project documents.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on energy and infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Draft and negotiate EPC contracts, concession agreements, financing documents, and JV agreements.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for SA energy/infrastructure projects.

Skills

Project finance

Energy law

Infrastructure law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the energy and infrastructure sector, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Legal Advisor to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for supporting the development, financing, and execution of major projects within the region. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal counsel on all project-related matters, including contractual negotiations, regulatory compliance, and risk management. This position offers a Hybrid work model, blending essential office-based collaboration in Richards Bay with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a proactive individual with a strong understanding of project finance and infrastructure law to contribute to the company's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support on all aspects of energy and infrastructure projects, from inception to completion.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key project documents, including EPC contracts, concession agreements, financing documents, and joint venture agreements.
• Advise on regulatory compliance related to energy and infrastructure projects in South Africa.
• Identify, assess, and manage legal risks associated with project development and operations.
• Liaise with external legal counsel, government agencies, lenders, and other stakeholders.
• Manage dispute resolution processes and provide support in litigation or arbitration where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards relevant to projects.
• Conduct legal due diligence for new project opportunities and acquisitions.
• Support the procurement process for project contractors and suppliers.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience, preferably with a focus on project finance, energy, or infrastructure law.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements related to large-scale projects.
• Strong understanding of South African energy and infrastructure regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to identify and manage legal risks in project development.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid work environment, balancing independent work with team collaboration.
• Experience in a similar role within the energy or infrastructure sector is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a specialized field.
• Exposure to significant and impactful projects within the Richards Bay region.
• Flexible working arrangements offered through the Hybrid model.