SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Legal Counsel: Renewable Energy Projects
Market-related Package
Cape Town
Work Model: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Role Overview
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
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Provide legal support from early-stage development through to financial close.
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Structure, draft, and negotiate land-related agreements, including options, leases, servitudes, and wayleaves across private, communal, and state-owned land.
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Advise on land security, land claims, and long-term land tenure strategies.
Bidding, Acquisitions & Commercial Transactions
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Support public and private procurement processes, including bid preparation and legal strategy.
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Lead or support legal due diligence for project acquisitions and joint ventures.
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Draft and negotiate transaction documents such as share purchase agreements, development agreements, and joint development arrangements.
Financing & Financial Close
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Lead legal workstreams for project financing, including lender negotiations and security packages.
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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.
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Manage conditions precedent through to financial close.
Construction, Operations & Risk Management
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Advise project teams during construction and operational phases on contractual, regulatory, and dispute-related matters.
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Support claims management, contract variations, and dispute resolution processes.
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Provide ongoing legal advice to project executives, asset managers, and technical teams.
Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement
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Ensure sound corporate governance across project entities, including board processes and resolutions.
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Manage external legal counsel and coordinate with lenders’ and counterparties’ advisors.
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Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting renewable energy projects and ensure compliance with internal policies and ethical standards.
Ideal Candidate Profile
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Admitted attorney with solid experience in project-based legal work, preferably within renewable energy, infrastructure, or large-scale project finance.
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The ideal candidate will have a strong project-focused background within the REIPPPP framework, with direct involvement in South African renewable energy projects.
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A minimum of 7 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector is required.
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Proven hands-on experience leading or supporting projects through financial close is essential, including exposure to lender negotiations, conditions precedent, and project finance documentation
