Senior Legal Counsel

Our client, a leading pan-African renewable energy company, is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel (Asset Management) with 8+ years of experience to join their dynamic team in Cape Town.

In this role, you will primarily provide comprehensive legal support across the company's South African construction and operational portfolio. You will advise on EPC, O&M, PPA, and other vital project agreements, handling contractual interpretation, regulatory compliance, amendments, consents, and waivers. A key focus of the position will be managing claims and disputes with contractors and key counterparties, as well as supporting refinancing initiatives, lender consents, and waiver processes.

Additionally, the role will provide strategic support for project development, project finance, M&A, corporate governance, and joint venture matters.

Essential Experience

• Qualification as an admitted lawyer in a relevant jurisdiction
• Demonstrated experience at a leading or well-regarded law firm
• Specialized background in renewable energy or broader infrastructure and energy projects
• Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting EPC, O&M, and PPA agreements
• Proven track record in managing contractual claims, disputes, breaches, and remedies
• Project finance exposure, including handling lender consents, waivers, and refinancing
• Experience collaborating effectively with lenders, investors, joint venture partners, and technical teams
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice
• Capability to efficiently manage external legal counsel and control legal costs

Advantageous Experience

• Previous in-house experience with an IPP, developer, project owner, funder, or energy company
• Direct experience in South African renewable energy or the REIPPPP framework
• Wider project exposure across the African continent
• Background in project development and financing
• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experience
• Familiarity with shareholders' agreements and joint development agreements
• Expertise in corporate governance, compliance, insurance, and corporate administration
• Experience supporting operational assets and internal asset management teams

This opportunity is ideal for a commercially minded lawyer with robust renewable energy or infrastructure experience who wants to work closer to the physical assets and remain engaged throughout the construction and operational lifecycles. It offers exciting exposure to a growing international IPP, a substantial African renewable energy portfolio, and a diverse range of complex legal, contractual, and commercial challenges.