Legal Counsel - Energy & Resources

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Career advancement

Exposure to diverse energy projects

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support our energy sector operations. You will advise on project development, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters across EPCs, PPAs, and joint ventures.

This hybrid role requires strong drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to navigate South Africa's energy regulations and environmental considerations.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in energy law, project finance, or corporate law within the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of South African energy regulations and policy.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with hybrid work models and office collaboration.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management software.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on energy projects, development and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including EPCs, O&M, PPAs, and JV agreements.
• Conduct due diligence for energy projects and acquisitions.
• Advise on environmental, social, and governance matters relevant to energy operations.
• Manage disputes and litigation arising from project activities.
• Liaise with regulators, government agencies, and external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and permits.
• Support procurement processes for energy project-related goods and services.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This role offers a Hybrid work arrangement, combining the benefits of in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal support for the company's extensive operations, focusing on energy projects, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters. You will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape of the energy industry, advising on project development, procurement, and operational legal needs. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure projects and grow your career within a reputable organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on energy law, project development, and regulatory compliance specific to the South African energy sector.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including EPC contracts, O&M agreements, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and joint venture agreements.
• Conduct legal due diligence for energy projects and acquisitions.
• Advise on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters relevant to energy operations.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and litigation arising from project activities.
• Liaise with government agencies, regulators, and external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Support the procurement process for goods and services related to energy projects.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrable experience in energy law, project finance, or corporate law within the energy sector.
• Strong understanding of South African energy regulations and policy.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Experience with hybrid work models and office-based collaboration.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunity to work on significant energy infrastructure projects.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Exposure to a diverse range of legal challenges in the energy sector.
• Supportive team environment and career advancement prospects.