Legal Counsel – Renewable Energy – Cape Town

AltGen

Cape Town

ZAR 300 000 - 700 000

Job description

Are your precious billable hours being compromised by Loadshedding? Why not use your legal acumen to play an active role in building a more developed RE infrastructure so that the phrase “Stage 6” is NEVER uttered again…

Our client, one of the leading IPPs in South Africa, is looking for a Legal Counsel who can do it all. Our ideal candidate has mildly terrifying organisational skills and is undaunted by the idea of being involved in every legal aspect of the project lifecycle.

You would use these skills to oversee legal aspects of renewable energy projects, including securing land rights and providing strategic legal advice. We’ve included the details in the responsibilities section of this job ad. If you can’t be bothered to read it, then we suggest applying for another role.

In addition to your in-office expertise, you would be out in the field, engaging with various non-governmental and governmental stakeholders and off-takers.

We’re looking for someone with a strong personality, a Legal Counsel that can make things happen.

Apply now!

Education Requirements

Bachelor of Laws Degree from a reputable institution
Qualified and admitted attorney (specialising in project development, construction, and/or project finance within the renewable energy industry)

Experience Requirements

5+ years as a qualified attorney within the renewable energy space
3+ years experience in a law firm
Exposure to project finance and infrastructure projects

Responsibilities

As Legal Counsel, your role would be pivotal in facilitating the development and execution of renewable energy projects. You would oversee a wide range of legal matters, starting with securing land rights across private, communal, and state-owned lands, which involves drafting and negotiating various agreements. You would provide strategic legal counsel to the development team from project inception to financial close, covering aspects such as land claim, security, and legal requirements for long-term leases or servitudes. Additionally, you would offer legal support for environmental matters, including appeals and permit reviews, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Your responsibilities would extend to assisting in project acquisitions, advising on share purchase agreements, joint development agreements, and other relevant contracts. Collaborating with the business development team, you'd help craft investment dossiers and legal memos for funding purposes, aligning with corporate objectives and legal standards.

Throughout project lifecycles, you would oversee bid compilation and preparation, advising on legal and strategic requirements for both public and private bids. You would also manage external legal counsel, ensuring alignment with project objectives and legal standards.

During construction and operation phases, you'd provide ongoing legal support, addressing issues such as claims, dispute resolution, and contract interpretation. Acting as a liaison with stakeholders like off-takers, government bodies, lenders, and contractors, you would ensure effective communication and compliance with legal obligations. Staying abreast of legislative changes, you would ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks for the company and its projects. Your role would be crucial in maintaining legal integrity and ensuring successful project outcomes.

Skills

Highly organised
A natural leader and eager to upskill and train junior members of the legal team
Secret service level confidentiality skills
Proven track record of successfully engaging with PPA, IA, Distribution Agreement, Transmission Agreement, Self-Build Agreement, MOI, SHA, Equity agreements, CTA; Facility Agreements, Mortgage Bonds, Special and general notarial bonds, pledges, EPC, O&M, BOP, Turbine Supply Agreements, Engineer Agreements, trust documents, and others.

Who Is AltGen?

We offer recruitment, consulting, and employment services with a focus on recruitment for renewable energy and sustainability jobs across the globe. AltGen is a renewable energy recruitment agency with offices in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom, which focuses on developing careers for individuals in our niche space.

With an experienced and passionate team with over 100 years of combined experience, AltGen plays an integral role in the renewable energy and sustainability industry. We operate throughout the world and are rapidly expanding.