Legal Counsel - Energy Sector

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Energy sector exposure

On-site Durban office

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly skilled Legal Counsel with a strong background in energy law to join our Durban team. The role focuses on contracts, regulatory compliance, and project development within the dynamic energy sector.

The successful candidate will draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, provide regulatory guidance, and support project financing while coordinating with project managers and stakeholders to identify and manage legal risks throughout project lifecycles.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in corporate law with emphasis on the energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including PPAs, EPC, and O&M agreements.
• Advise on regulatory compliance within the energy sector and renewable regulations.
• Support development and financing of energy projects.
• Conduct due diligence for investments and acquisitions.
• Manage legal risks for operations and projects.
• Liaise with external counsel and regulators as needed.
• Assist in dispute resolution and claims.
• Maintain internal policies and procedures relevant to energy law.

Skills

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Energy law

Stakeholder management

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the energy sector, is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Legal Counsel to join their established team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is an on-site position, requiring the successful candidate to be present at our Durban offices. You will provide comprehensive legal support to the company's operations, focusing on contracts, regulatory compliance, and project development within the dynamic energy industry. This role demands a candidate with a strong understanding of energy law, excellent contract management skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. You will work closely with project managers, business development teams, and other stakeholders to ensure legal risks are identified and managed effectively, facilitating the successful execution of key energy projects. We are looking for an individual with a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach to legal problem-solving within this specialized field.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), EPC contracts, and O&M agreements.
• Advise on legal and regulatory compliance within the energy sector, including renewable energy regulations.
• Provide legal support for the development and financing of energy projects.
• Conduct legal due diligence for new investments and acquisitions.
• Manage legal risks associated with operational activities and project implementation.
• Liaise with external counsel and regulatory bodies as required.
• Assist in the resolution of contractual disputes and claims.
• Develop and maintain internal legal policies and procedures relevant to the energy sector.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments impacting the energy industry.
• Provide general legal advice to various departments within the organization.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years' post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in corporate law, with a demonstrated focus on the energy sector (renewable energy experience highly preferred).
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements relevant to energy projects.
• Strong understanding of South African energy law, regulations, and policy frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects in a growing industry.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a reputable organization in the energy sector.
• Exposure to diverse legal challenges within the energy domain.