Senior Legal Counsel

-; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A major energy firm in South Africa seeks a Legal Counsel specializing in Project Development and Project Finance. The successful applicant will provide legal advice, manage external counsel, and ensure compliance throughout energy projects. Candidates should be fluent in English, possess a Bachelor of Law, and have 5-7 years of experience, preferably in energy or infrastructure sectors. The position requires strong negotiating, organizational, and analytical skills, along with the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted as an Attorney to practice law in South Africa.
• 5 to 7 years post-qualification experience in legal roles.
• Large law firm or in-house experience in a corporate setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on energy projects in South Africa.
• Conduct and coordinate legal due diligence and risk assessments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents across all project phases.
• Advise on contractual, regulatory, and other legal issues.

Skills

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Negotiating skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of energy regulatory framework

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB)

Job description

Position Details

Position Title: Legal Counsel - Project Development and Project Finance

Reports to: South Africa General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer

Period: Full Time - Local Employment Contract

Background

ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructure and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures (heating and cooling networks) and the supply of energy to individuals, local authorities and businesses. Every year, ENGIE invests more than €10 billion to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net-zero carbon goal by 2045.

ENGIE has been present on the African continent for more than five decades. We are the number one independent power producer globally. We deliver power to countries throughout the continent through clean energy solutions.

For more information please visit: www.engie.com or www.engie-africa.com

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on energy projects in South Africa, including M&A, project financing, and greenfield/brownfield developments (energy generation and power transmission).
• Conduct and coordinate legal due diligence, risk assessments, and evaluations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents across all project phases (bid, preferred bidder, financial close), including development, JV, EPC, O&M, financing, and real estate agreements.
• Support project financing and ensure timely execution of related documentation, including security creation.
• Advise on contractual, regulatory and other legal issues throughout project development, construction, and operation.
• Prepare legal risk memos in support internal approval processes.
• Advise on corporate governance, entity structuring, BBBEE participation, and trust-related matters.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments in the energy and construction sectors.
• Manage external legal counsel to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.
• Contribute to document management system implementation and internal process improvements.
• Supervise trainees and promote compliance with ENGIE's policies and ethical standards.
• Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the General Counsel.

Communication and Working Relationships

Internal:

• South Africa General Counsel and Ethics Officer
• Business development, Engineering and technical support, finance and HR teams

External:

• Off-takers, joint venture partners, shareholders, tendering authorities
• Project companies and Operation and maintenance entities
• EPC contractors, suppliers, subcontractors
• Sponsor and lender legal advisors

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Degree / Experience

• Bachelor of Law (LLB)
• Admitted as an Attorney to practice law in South Africa
• 5 to 7-year post-qualification experience
• Large law firm experience or in-house experience in one or more large corporates
• Experience in one or more of the following fields: (i) Energy sector, (ii) infrastructure project development, (iii) Project finance or (iv) M&A

Competencies

• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Strong legal drafting, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide sound, practical legal advice in complex environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage priorities effectively.
• Resilience under pressure and commitment to delivering results.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-cultural and cross-functional teams.
• Supportive of innovation and change; demonstrates critical thinking and creativity.
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance business needs with strict ethical and compliance requirements.
• Effective management of external counsel and legal resources.

Specific Knowledge / skills

• Energy regulatory framework.
• Strong contract drafting and contract interpretation skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiating skills

Language

• Fluent in English is mandatory, knowledge of other language(s) is a plus.

Location / travel

• Based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Flexibility to travel throughout South Africa and occasional travel to Paris, Belgium and Dubai.

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions.

Business Unit: Support Functions In Geographies

Division: SF In AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity: ENGIE Southern Africa (Prioprietary) Limited

Professional Experience: Skilled ( >3 experience <15 years)

Education Level: Bachelor\'s Degree

Company Name: ENGIE South Africa