Legal Counsel- Renewable Energy Projects

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy developer in Cape Town is looking for a Project-Focused Legal Counsel. The role encompasses full lifecycle legal support for large-scale energy projects, requiring expertise in project development, negotiation of various agreements, and risk management. The ideal candidate will be an admitted attorney with at least 7 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, capable of leading legal processes through financial close. This permanent position offers a hybrid work model and a market-related salary.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in project-based legal work, preferably within renewable energy.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in the renewable energy sector.
• Hands-on experience leading projects through financial close is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support from early-stage development through financial close.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate land-related agreements.
• Lead legal workstreams for project financing and manage conditions precedent.

Skills

Project-based legal expertise

Experience in renewable energy

Contractual negotiation skills

Dispute resolution

Knowledge of REIPPPP framework

Education

Admitted attorney

Job description

Legal Counsel: Renewable Energy Projects

Location: Cape Town

Work Model: Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent

Market-related Package

An established, international renewable energy developer with a growing footprint in Southern Africa is seeking a Project-Focused Legal Counsel to support the full lifecycle of large-scale energy projects.

This role is suited to a commercially astute legal professional who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and is comfortable operating across development, financing, construction, and operations. The position will work closely with senior leadership and project teams, providing hands‑on legal guidance on strategic and operational matters.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development & Land Rights

• Provide legal support from early‑stage development through to financial close.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate land‑related agreements, including options, leases, servitudes, and wayleaves across private, communal, and state‑owned land.
• Advise on land security, land claims, and long‑term land tenure strategies.

Bidding, Acquisitions & Commercial Transactions

• Support public and private procurement processes, including bid preparation and legal strategy.
• Lead or support legal due diligence for project acquisitions and joint ventures.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents such as share purchase agreements, development agreements, and joint development arrangements.

Financing & Financial Close

• Lead legal workstreams for project financing, including lender negotiations and security packages.
• Review, negotiate, and coordinate a wide range of project and finance agreements, including PPAs, EPCs, O&M agreements, shareholder and equity documents, and corporate approvals.
• Manage conditions precedent through to financial close.

Construction, Operations & Risk Management

• Advise project teams during construction and operational phases on contractual, regulatory, and dispute‑related matters.
• Support claims management, contract variations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Provide ongoing legal advice to project executives, asset managers, and technical teams.

Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure sound corporate governance across project entities, including board processes and resolutions.
• Manage external legal counsel and coordinate with lenders’ and counterparties’ advisors.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting renewable energy projects and ensure compliance with internal policies and ethical standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Admitted attorney with solid experience in project‑based legal work, preferably within renewable energy, infrastructure, or large‑scale project finance.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong project-focused background within the REIPPPP framework, with direct involvement in South African renewable energy projects.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector is required.
• Proven hands‑on experience leading or supporting projects through financial close is essential, including exposure to lender negotiations, conditions precedent, and project finance documentation.