Legal Counsel – Construction & Operations

Copper Quail; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking a Legal Counsel to manage construction and operational contracts for utility-scale energy projects. This role involves overseeing contract compliance, guiding internal teams, and mitigating legal risks from project initiation to operations.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 5+ years PQE in construction or operations.
• Experience in renewable energy or IPP projects is advantageous.
• Knowledge of FIDIC contracts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement contract management strategy across EPC, OEM, and O&M agreements.
• Provide legal oversight to project construction and operations teams.
• Manage legal claims, disputes, and formal notifications from key project contracts.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Law

Job description

Position: Legal Counsel – Construction & Operations

Location: Cape Town (Office-based)

Sector: Renewable Energy

A leading renewable energy firm is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel to manage and support construction and operational contracts across the full lifecycle of utility-scale energy projects. This role will involve guiding internal teams, overseeing contract compliance, and mitigating legal risk from financial close through to operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and implement contract management strategy across EPC, OEM, and O&M agreements
  

• Support negotiations pre-financial close and manage execution post-close
  

• Provide legal oversight to project construction and operations teams
  

• Manage legal claims, disputes, and formal notifications arising from key project contracts
  

• Liaise with external legal advisors and align with broader asset management strategies
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law & Admitted Attorney
  

• 5+ years PQE, ideally in construction, operations, or project/asset management
  

• Experience in renewable energy or IPP projects is advantageous
  

• Knowledge of FIDIC contracts and strong dispute/litigation capabilities preferred
  

• Commercially minded with excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills