Legal Counsel - Project Development

Energy Vault; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal services focused on project development in the renewable energy sector. This role involves drafting, negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and advising on legal matters while managing risk for various projects. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in law firms and in-house roles, with a strong background in renewable energy, and exceptional negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in top law firm and in-house.
• Extensive project development or infrastructure experience in renewable energy sector.
• Ability to interpret legislation and manage legal risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advisory and support services.
• Draft and negotiate project development agreements.
• Monitor relevant legislation and manage legal compliance.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Excellent interpersonal communication

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Attention to detail

Education

LLB

Job description

Description

The purpose of the role is to provide legal advisory and support services to Pele Energy Group and its subsidiaries to ensure the effective management of legal and contractual risks for all group activities, portfolio investments, and their underlying projects.

Legal Counsel reports to the Executive General Counsel.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the Project Development business unit to draft, manage, negotiate and execute a range of agreements relating to the company’s project development pipeline including, joint venture agreements, land lease options, land agreements, memorandums of understanding, joint development agreements and sale-leaseback arrangements.
• Support bid activities and ensure compliance of bid’s with RFP requirements.
• Support engagements with various authorities related to project development, including environmental authorities, municipalities, and others as appropriate.
• Support negotiation and drafting of project documents, specifically power purchase agreements and project development agreements for commercial and industrial clients.
• Coordinate with outside counsel to effectively and efficiently manage the Company’s project pipeline and corporate responsibilities.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are executed timely and excellently, while effectively protecting and communicating the company’s risk.
• Provide strategic corporate counsel and efficient resolution of all legal issues, and represent the Company in any legal disputes, if required.
• Monitor and advise on relevant legislation impacting the Company and ensure the business is kept abreast of new legislative and regulatory developments.
• Document legal, commercial and risk policies and processes, where required, to ensure the effective operation of the Company.
• Assist with various tasks and projects as is necessary for the company’s overall success.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• LLB
• Admitted Attorney
• 8 + years’ experience with top law firm and in-house experience preferred
• Extensive project development or infrastructure experience with a background in the renewable energy sector
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities, work independently and operate in a fast-paced, dynamic and matrixed environment
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to demonstrate good judgment and evaluate risk while considering the larger picture
• Solution-oriented and effective communicator with the ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, fast-growing, and collaborative environment
• Excellent drafting skills
• Experience in handling due diligence investigations
• Client facing experience and the ability to understand and respond effectively to client needs
• A commercial approach and an ability to negotiate effectively
• A collaborative attitude to working within large teams and with colleagues at all levels.
• Ability to interpret legislation and regulatory frameworks within various jurisdictions, as well as identify and effectively manage legal risks and recommend appropriate remedial courses of action

Competencies

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organizing
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Quality Orientation