Legal Advisor - Renewable Energy Projects

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Legal Advisor for a leading renewable energy developer. This fully remote role supports wind and solar projects across South Africa, with emphasis on project development, permitting, and regulatory compliance.

You will review and negotiate EPC, O&M, and PPAs, advise on project financing structures, and coordinate with external counsel to manage risk. The ideal candidate is admitted attorney with 6+ years of post-qualification experience in energy or

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with at least 6 years post-qualification experience in project development, infra or energy law.
• Experience with commercial contracts in large-scale infrastructure.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all phases of renewable energy project development, including site selection, land acquisition, and leasing.
• Review and negotiate EPC, O&M, and PPAs, ensuring compliant and favorable terms.
• Advise on project financing structures and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial environmental, energy, and land use regulations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for new projects and acquisitions.
• Manage external counsel engaged for project requirements.
• Assist with regulatory applications, approvals, and interactions with government authorities.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with project development and execution.

Skills

Project development

Infrastructure law

Energy law

Negotiation

Drafting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Admitted SA attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent developer in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a highly skilled Legal Advisor to provide comprehensive legal support for their expanding portfolio of projects, primarily focusing on wind and solar energy initiatives in the Northern Cape and beyond. This is a remote position, allowing for exceptional flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere in South Africa. The role requires a strong understanding of project finance, construction law, and regulatory compliance within the energy industry. You will play a critical role in advising on all legal aspects of project development, from initial permitting and land acquisition to financing, construction, and operation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the sustainable energy future of South Africa and build a career at the forefront of the renewable energy legal landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all phases of renewable energy project development, including site selection, land acquisition, and leasing agreements.
• Review and negotiate EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracts, O&M (Operations and Maintenance) agreements, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Advise on project financing structures and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and provincial environmental, energy, and land use regulations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for new projects and acquisitions.
• Manage external counsel engaged for specific project requirements.
• Assist with regulatory applications, approvals, and interactions with government authorities.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with project development and execution.

Requirements

• Admitted attorney with at least 6 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion dedicated to project development, infrastructure, or energy law.
• Demonstrated experience with commercial contracts, particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of South African energy sector regulations and policy frameworks.
• Experience with land law, property transactions, and environmental law relevant to project development.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload in a remote environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with international renewable energy legal standards is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers significant flexibility and the opportunity to work on impactful projects. Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. You will gain valuable experience in a high-growth industry and have access to professional development resources. The company fosters a collaborative and results-oriented culture, even in a remote setting. This is a chance to shape the legal landscape of renewable energy in South Africa, contributing to a sustainable future while enjoying the autonomy of remote work. Opportunities for career advancement are excellent within this growing sector, offering a dynamic path forward.