Legal Counsel: Projects

EDF power solutions South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy leader in Cape Town is looking for an experienced Legal Counsel: Projects to provide legal expertise throughout the lifecycle of renewable energy projects. The successful candidate will have over 9 years of experience and a strong background in project development, compliance, and governance. Join a growing team and play a pivotal role in groundbreaking sustainable projects across Southern Africa.

Qualifications

• Qualified and admitted attorney specializing in project development, construction, and/or finance.
• 9+ years of professional experience as a qualified attorney.

Responsibilities

• Advise on and draft agreements related to land rights.
• Support on environmental permits and compliance matters.
• Provide legal guidance for project acquisitions and due diligence.
• Draft and review documents for project financing.
• Manage external counsel and liaise with lenders.
• Advise on bids and ensure compliance.
• Oversee corporate governance and support board meetings.
• Provide ongoing legal support during construction.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Drive adherence to compliance and ethics policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Persuasive and solutions-oriented

Commitment to confidentiality

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About EDF Power Solutions Southern Africa

EDF Power Solutions Southern Africa is the merger of EDF Renewables and EDF’s International Division in the region, committed to becoming a leading provider of integrated energy solutions. With 4 operational wind farms (140 MW), over 1.4 GW under construction (wind, solar, and battery storage), and ambitious plans to deliver 5 GW of renewable projects by 2030, the company is driving sustainable development across Southern Africa.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Legal Counsel: Projects to provide legal expertise across the entire lifecycle of renewable energy projects—from development and bidding through to financing, construction, operation, and decommissioning. This role is critical in safeguarding the company’s interests, ensuring compliance, and enabling the successful execution of major infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on and draft agreements related to land rights (leases, servitudes, wayleaves, option agreements)

• Support on environmental permits, appeals, and compliance matters

• Provide legal guidance for project acquisitions, due diligence, and joint development agreements

• Draft and review documents for project financing and financial close, including PPAs, IA, EPC, O&M, BOP, and supply agreements

• Manage external counsel and liaise with lenders’ legal teams

• Advise on bids (public and private), ensuring compliance with strategic and legal requirements

• Oversee corporate governance, including drafting resolutions and supporting board meetings

• Provide ongoing legal support during construction and operations, including claims, disputes, and contract management

• Research, monitor, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Drive adherence to compliance and ethics policies

What You’ll Need

Qualifications & Certifications:

• Qualified and admitted attorney, specialising in project development, construction, and/or finance in renewable energy or infrastructure

• LLB degree (required)

Experience:

• 9+ years’ professional experience as a qualified attorney

• At least 2 years in a law firm with exposure to renewable energy, project finance, or infrastructure projects

Skills & Competencies:

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Able to work independently and collaboratively across teams

• Persuasive, solutions-oriented, and professional under pressure

• Committed to confidentiality and ethical practice

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing renewable energy leader and play a pivotal role in the legal success of groundbreaking projects across Southern Africa.

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