Legal Counsel - Energy Sector

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work

Energy projects exposure

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Legal Counsel for a hybrid role based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will provide comprehensive legal support on energy projects, regulatory compliance, and contracting, ensuring commercial viability and regulatory alignment.

The role requires a strong background in energy law, project finance, and complex contract negotiation, with the ability to engage with regulators and external counsel within a dynamic renewables environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years post-qualification legal experience.
• Experience in energy law, project finance or infrastructure projects desirable.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Strong knowledge of South African energy regulations and policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on renewable energy projects from development to operation.
• Draft, review and negotiate PPAs, EPCs, and joint venture agreements.
• Ensure compliance with energy regulations, environmental laws and related legislation.
• Conduct due diligence for potential projects and acquisitions.
• Advise on corporate governance and internal compliance matters.
• Manage and resolve disputes and litigation related to energy projects.
• Liaise with external counsel, regulators and government agencies.
• Support business development with legal aspects of new opportunities.
• Stay updated on changes affecting the energy industry in Mossel Bay, WC.
• Assist in developing risk management strategies for energy projects.

Skills

Energy law

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Due diligence

Commercial acumen

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admission as Attorney/Advocate (SA)

Job description

About the Role Our client, a significant player in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a dedicated Legal Counsel to join their dynamic team. This hybrid role offers a balanced approach, combining essential office presence in Mossel Bay, Western Cape with the flexibility of remote work. The Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support on a broad spectrum of matters pertinent to the energy industry, including project development, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution. We are looking for an individual with a solid understanding of energy law, regulatory frameworks, and commercial contracting within this specialized field. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a company at the forefront of sustainable energy development and to grow your legal career in a challenging and rewarding sector. You will play a vital role in navigating the complex legal landscape of the energy market, ensuring our client's projects and operations remain compliant and commercially viable. The position requires a proactive and commercially astute legal professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of renewable energy projects, from development to operation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), EPC contracts, and joint venture agreements.
• Ensure compliance with energy sector regulations, environmental laws, and other relevant legislation.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential projects and acquisitions.
• Advise on corporate governance and internal compliance matters.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and litigation related to energy projects.
• Liaise with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and government agencies.
• Support the business development team with legal aspects of new opportunities.
• Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes affecting the energy industry in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Assist in developing risk management strategies for energy projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 6 years' post-qualification legal experience.
• Demonstrated experience in energy law, project finance, or infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of South African energy regulations and policy landscape.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• Proactive approach with strong commercial acumen.
• Experience working in Mossel Bay, Western Cape or willingness to commute for office days.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in energy law.
• A stimulating hybrid work environment within the beautiful Mossel Bay, Western Cape region.
• Exposure to cutting-edge renewable energy projects.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing industry leader.