Legal Counsel - Energy & Infrastructure Projects

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support large-scale energy and infrastructure projects based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will provide expert advice on development, financing, construction, and operation, focusing on renewables.

The role involves negotiating complex contracts and navigating regulatory frameworks. The position offers remote flexibility while collaborating with project teams across South Africa.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 7+ years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in project finance, energy law or infrastructure development.
• Strong understanding of SA environmental, energy and land-use law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel across all phases of energy/infrastructure projects.
• Draft, review, and negotiate EPC, O&M, PPAs, and financing documents.
• Conduct due diligence on permits, sites and regulatory approvals.
• Advise on land, environmental law and regulatory compliance for development.
• Manage project finance legal aspects including debt/equity financing.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks in execution and operation.
• Liaise with government authorities, regulators and stakeholders.
• Support dispute resolution and litigation management as needed.

Skills

Legal analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Independent work

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Tools

Contract drafting

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major player in the energy and infrastructure development sector, is actively seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support its expanding operations based in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This critical role will involve providing expert legal advice on the development, financing, construction, and operation of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on renewable energy sources. You will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape associated with these ventures, including contract negotiation, risk assessment, and dispute resolution. The **Richards Bay** location, a key industrial port city, is strategically significant for such projects. This is an exceptional opportunity for a legally astute professional to contribute to transformative projects shaping **South Africa's** energy future. Working remotely allows flexibility while engaging with project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on all phases of energy and infrastructure projects, from inception to completion.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key project agreements, including EPC contracts, O&M agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and financing documents.
• Conduct legal due diligence on project sites, permits, and regulatory approvals.
• Advise on land acquisition, environmental law, and regulatory compliance pertinent to project development.
• Manage legal aspects of project finance, including securing debt and equity financing.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with project execution and operation.
• Liaise with government authorities, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Support dispute resolution processes and litigation management when necessary.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated experience in project finance, energy law, or infrastructure development.
• Strong understanding of relevant South African legislation (e.g., environmental, energy, land use) and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial and project-specific contracts.
• Experience with international project finance structures and standards is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting, managing multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to staying current with industry developments and legal precedents in the energy sector.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives and project success bonuses.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Professional development support and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
• Significant involvement in impactful and sustainable development projects.
• Flexible working arrangements, with a fully remote setup.