Part-time Legal & Commercial Counsel (Renewable Energy Sector)

Energy Vault; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Part time

Job summary

Energy Vault is seeking a highly skilled Legal & Commercial Counsel to support its project development team. This part-time role will involve managing land agreements and commercial contracts within the renewable energy sector. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in legal matters related to land and complex commercial negotiations, ensuring robust and compliant contracts.

Benefits

Part-time, 3 mornings/days a week in-office

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience with land contracts.
• At least 3–5 years’ experience with commercial contracts.

Responsibilities

• Draft and manage land-related contracts.
• Lead commercial contracts related to energy sales.
• Provide strategic legal advice during negotiations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Project financing

Commercial structuring

Education

LLB or equivalent legal qualification

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal & Commercial Counsel to support a project development team on a part-time basis (3 morning a week). This role will be instrumental in managing and vetting land agreements, commercial contracts, and project financing documentation within the renewable energy sector. The successful candidate will bring a strong legal background, with a minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in land-related contracts and at least 3–5 years in complex commercial contracting and negotiations.

This is a strategic role suited for someone who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide practical legal and commercial guidance to support project execution. The individual will work closely with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel to ensure legal robustness and commercial soundness across all contractual matters.

Responsibilities:

Draft, review, and manage land-related contracts, including lease agreements and options to lease.

Support and lead on commercial contracts, including those related to project sales, energy sales, shareholder agreements, and vendor contracting.

Assist with the structuring of commercial and legal frameworks for project financing, particularly within the renewable energy space.

Provide legal and strategic advice during complex commercial negotiations.

Ensure all contracts are aligned with the company’s operational and legal standards.

Collaborate with external legal teams on litigation and broader commercial legal matters.

Support the project development team with contract management and risk mitigation strategies.

Stay updated on relevant legislation, regulatory changes, and best practices in commercial and energy law.

Requirements

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification; admitted attorney preferred.
  
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience working with land contracts, leases, and related legal documentation.
  
• At least 3–5 years’ experience with commercial contracts, ideally with exposure to:
  Energy sales or project sales, shareholder and share sale agreements, complex commercial structuring
  
• Demonstrated experience in supporting or leading legal work related to project financing in the renewable energy sector.
  
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision.
  
• Proven ability to lead commercial negotiations and contractual discussions.
  
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external legal service providers.
  
• Comfortable learning and adapting to the company's specific legal and commercial approach.
  

Benefits

Part-time, 3 mornings/days a week in-office.