Legal Advisor (Energy Sector)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund contribution

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Legal Advisor to provide strategic legal support across energy projects. You will advise on regulatory hurdles, draft and negotiate key commercial contracts, and guide governance and risk management for a major energy portfolio.

The role requires Admitted Attorney status with at least seven years of post-qualification experience, and a strong background in energy, infrastructure, or project finance.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience.
• Specialization in energy law, project finance, or infrastructure.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on energy regulatory frameworks, environmental, and property law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements including PPAs, EPCs, and JV agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African energy regulations.

Skills

Energy law

Contract negotiations

Regulatory compliance

Legal research

Project finance experience

Education

LL.B. or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the energy sector with significant operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for an experienced and highly capable Legal Advisor to join their dynamic team. This critical role will involve providing comprehensive legal support to various business units, focusing on energy law, regulatory compliance, project development, and contract management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape of the energy industry, advising on risk, and ensuring the company's operations are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a vital industry and work on challenging, impactful projects within the Richards Bay region. The role requires a proactive legal professional with a strong understanding of commercial transactions and a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on energy-related matters, including regulatory frameworks, environmental law, and property law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including power purchase agreements, EPC contracts, and joint venture agreements.
• Advise on compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to the energy sector in South Africa.
• Manage and oversee legal aspects of energy projects from inception through to completion.
• Conduct legal research and provide analysis on evolving energy policies and legal challenges.
• Assist in dispute resolution and litigation management related to energy operations.
• Collaborate with business development, project management, and operations teams to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards and company policies.
• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate restructuring activities within the energy portfolio.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience.
• Specialization or significant experience in energy law, project finance, or infrastructure development.
• Proven expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of South African energy regulations, environmental law, and property law.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects concurrently in a demanding environment.
• Experience working in or advising the energy sector is essential.
• Familiarity with the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal industrial landscape is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive, performance-related salary package, along with comprehensive medical aid and a generous provident fund contribution. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in energy law and leadership courses, are provided. The role comes with a hybrid working arrangement, allowing for flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. This position offers significant exposure to high-value projects and strategic decision-making within the energy sector. A supportive and collaborative team environment in Richards Bay awaits the successful candidate. Additional benefits may include performance bonuses and relocation assistance if applicable. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.