Legal Counsel - Energy Sector

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development and courses

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major energy and infrastructure player in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to recruit a seasoned Legal Counsel. You will advise on energy project development, financing, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations, including EPCs, PPAs, and O&M; and support governance and risk management across projects.

You will liaise with regulators and external lawyers, perform due diligence, and help structure complex agreements while maintaining ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with relevant energy experience.
• Specialized knowledge in energy law, projects, and environmental regulation.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex project contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on energy project development, financing, and operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate EPC contracts, PPAs, and O&M agreements.
• Ensure compliance with energy sector regulations and environmental laws.
• Advise on governance, risk management, and dispute resolution in energy projects.
• Conduct legal due diligence for new projects and acquisitions.
• Liaise with regulators, government bodies, and external advisers.
• Support business development in structuring commercial arrangements.

Skills

Legal counsel

Energy law

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Due diligence

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity within the energy and infrastructure development sector, is seeking to appoint a highly qualified Legal Counsel to be based in or near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for providing comprehensive legal support to the company's operations, focusing on project development, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters within the dynamic energy market. The successful candidate will advise on all legal aspects of energy projects, including power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as renewable energy initiatives. This position demands a proactive individual with a strong understanding of energy law, environmental regulations, and corporate governance. Working within a collaborative team, you will play a key role in structuring complex deals and ensuring the legal integrity of major projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

Provide expert legal advice on all matters related to energy project development, financing, and operations. Draft, review, and negotiate key project agreements, including EPC contracts, PPAs, and O&M agreements. Ensure compliance with all relevant energy sector regulations, environmental laws, and permitting requirements. Advise on corporate governance, risk management, and dispute resolution within the energy context. Conduct legal due diligence for new projects and acquisitions. Liaise effectively with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and external legal advisors. Support business development teams in structuring and negotiating commercial arrangements. Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes impacting the energy sector in South Africa. Assist in managing litigation and arbitration proceedings related to energy projects.

Requirements

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience. Specialized experience in energy law, project finance, and/or infrastructure development is essential. Strong understanding of South African energy policy, regulatory frameworks (NERSA, etc.), and environmental legislation. Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex project-related contracts. Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage a diverse workload and work effectively under pressure. Experience in a client-facing role, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Commitment to ethical practice and professional integrity.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary and potential for performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include a top-tier medical aid plan, a robust pension fund, and opportunities for professional development courses and conferences. The role provides exposure to cutting-edge projects within the rapidly evolving energy sector. Our client values its employees and promotes a healthy work-life balance, with a hybrid work model offering flexibility. The position is based in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , providing a strategic location for industry engagement.