Legal Advisor - Trading

Noa Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy producer is looking for a Legal Advisor in Trading to negotiate and draft Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The role involves leading legal reviews for various energy projects and supporting transaction closures. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's Degree in law, relevant legal experience, and strong negotiation skills. This position is critical to advancing clean energy initiatives in South Africa.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of relevant banking and finance, corporate and project experience.
• At least 3 years of experience on PPA transactions.
• Renewable energy project experience is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and draft Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
• Prepare and review all legal agreements for renewable energy transactions.
• Lead the legal due diligence process on project acquisition targets.

Skills

Contract drafting

Legal negotiation skills

Research and analysis skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in law

Job description

About NOA

NOA is an integrated renewable energy independent power producer, established to provide its customers with innovative and flexible solutions on their journey towards ‘Net Zero’ emissions and low-cost clean energy – by wheeling the energy generated by utility scale solar and wind generation facilities, augmented by battery energy storage systems.

• At NOA, we're building utility-scale renewable energy facilities across the country, bringing clean, affordable energy to South Africa's biggest businesses.

• Our team of energy sector veterans is on a mission to deliver 10GW of clean energy over the next 10 years. This is why we will succeed:

• We have a demonstrated track record of completing renewable energy projects, with 30MW already in operation and 745MW in construction
• We have built partnerships with South Africa's most successful renewable energy project developers, both in the private and public sectors
• We have secured a NERSA trading license to simplify procurement, financing, and supply of renewable energy
• We have a strong balance sheet with equity funding from a leading African infrastructure investment manager, AIIM
• Our innovative capital and operational structure is backed by several top-tier debt providers
• We\'ve collected some of the smartest and most forward-thinking experts in their field into our team, driven by a united purpose to move the needle in South Africa's energy landscape

Purpose

The Legal Advisor in Trading will be responsible to negotiate and draft PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) whereby NOA will procure energy from Independent Power Producers. A draft PPA and Heads of Terms do exist, but the Senior Legal Advisor will need to tailor these to be fit for purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting on the implementation of various transactions and bringing renewable energy project transactions to close through the negotiation, preparation and review of all legal agreements
• Leading the legal review, negotiation and approval of different Project documents (Power Purchase Agreements) and finance documents
• Leading the legal due diligence process on project acquisition targets
• Supporting the structuring of transactions and negotiating financing and related transaction documents
• Coordinating with other departments to meet timelines and deliverables
• Supporting the team in the acquisition of secondary market opportunities
• Supporting the development team on tender/RFP submissions, if required
• Assisting on the negotiation with project sponsors & lenders
• Managing the drafting of various notices and obtaining various consents in accordance with the lender’s CP Checklist
• Managing the Conditions Precedent (CP) Checklist; and leading the legal review on the preparation and implementation of transaction documents as required

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in law
• 4-5 years of relevant banking and finance, corporate and project experience
• At least 3 years of experience on PPA transactions
• Renewable energy Project experience is highly advantageous

Technical Competence

• In-depth knowledge of PPAs
• Research and analysis skills
• Contract drafting
• Legal negotiation skills
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation

Behavioural Competence

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strong negotiating ability
• Commercially and solutions driven
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage a number of complex transactions
• Flexible, with positive attitude and ability to work well as part of a team
• Methodical and analytical
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to build and maintain good relationships with key stakeholders