Legal Counsel: Construction and Disputes

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy is seeking a Legal Counsel specialized in Construction and Disputes to manage legal negotiations and disputes for renewable energy projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in construction or asset management, with a Bachelor's Degree in Law. Responsibilities include supporting project teams and managing external legal resources. Knowledge of FIDIC contracts and experience in the renewable energy sector will be advantageous.

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in construction, operations, or asset management.
• Advantageous experience in renewable energy/IPPs, dispute management and litigation.
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal negotiations and manage construction and operational contracts.
• Provide ongoing support to project and operation teams.
• Oversee external attorneys for disputes related to contracts.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Dispute management

Legal risk framework implementation

Stakeholder alignment

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Law

Admitted Attorney

Job description

Job Title: Legal Counsel: Construction and Disputes

Reports to: Head of Legal Affairs

Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Industry: Renewable Energy / IPP Sector

Job Purpose

The Legal Counsel: Construction & operations will be responsible for the legal negotiation, contract management support, and dispute management of construction and operational contracts throughout the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. The role supports the wider legal function by building and implementing a robust legal risk framework for projects under construction and in operation, and by leading all disputes and litigation arising from construction and operations contracts.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Negotiation & Financial Close

• Support the Heads of Strategic Procurement, Project & Construction Management (PCM), and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) in negotiating:
  • EPC or OEM Contracts
  • Balance of Plant (BOP) Contracts
  • Co-operation Agreements
  • O&M Contracts (collectively, the Construction and Operation Contracts) prior to Financial Close.
• Ensure alignment of Construction and Operation Contracts with all other applicable project and financing documents prior to Financial Close.

Construction & Operations Legal Support

• Provide ongoing legal and strategic support to PCM and O&M teams in:
  • Enforcing employer’s rights
  • Managing obligations under the Construction and Operation Contracts.
• Support and develop effective contract management strategies for projects in construction and operation.
• Assist Legal Counsel: Construction & Operations in managing and overseeing contract managers supporting the PCM and O&M teams.

Disputes & Litigation

• Lead the management of external attorneys in relation to Construction and Operation Contracts, both pre- and post-Financial Close.
• Take primary responsibility for all legal disputes and litigation arising from Construction and Operation Contracts.

Stakeholder & Internal Alignment

• Maintain regular legal and strategic alignment with Legal Counsel supporting the Asset Management team, ensuring consistency and cohesion between construction, operational, financial, and project documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Law

Admitted Attorney

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE) in a similar role within construction, operations, or asset management.
• Advantageous experience:
  • Renewable Energy / Independent Power Producer (IPP) sector
  • Dispute management and litigation
  • FIDIC contracts