Our client, a leading pan-African renewable energy company, is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel (Asset Management) with 8+ years of experience to join their Cape Town team.
The position will primarily provide legal support across the company's South African construction and operational portfolio. You would advise on EPC, O&M, PPA and other project agreements, including contractual interpretation, compliance, amendments, consents and waivers. A key part of the role will be managing claims and disputes with contractors and other counterparties, as well as supporting refinancing, lender consent and waiver processes.
The role will also support project development, project finance, M&A, corporate governance and joint venture matters.
Essential experience
Qualification as an admitted lawyer in a relevant jurisdiction.
Experience at a leading or well-regarded law firm.
Renewable energy or broader infrastructure/energy project experience.
Drafting, reviewing and interpreting EPC, O&M and PPA agreements.
Managing contractual claims, disputes, breaches and remedies.
Project finance exposure, including lender consents, waivers and refinancing.
Experience working with lenders, investors, joint venture partners and technical teams.
Strong commercial judgement and the ability to provide practical advice.
Ability to manage external legal counsel and legal costs.
Advantageous experience
Previous in-house experience with an IPP, developer, project owner, funder or energy company.
South African renewable energy or REIPPPP experience.
Wider African project exposure.
Project development and financing experience.
M&A experience.
Shareholders’ agreements and joint development agreements.
Corporate governance, compliance, insurance and corporate administration.
Experience supporting operational assets and asset management teams.
This opportunity would suit a commercially minded lawyer with strong renewable energy or infrastructure experience who wants to work closer to the projects and remain involved throughout construction and operations. It offers exposure to a growing international IPP, a substantial African renewable energy portfolio and a broad range of complex legal, contractual and commercial matters.