In-House Legal Counsel at Phelan Energy Group Ltd (PEG)

Job Purpose:

• The Legal Counsel will support Senior Legal Counsel in fulfilling all legal requirements and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance in all legal transactions within the Groups business dealings and projects. An entrepreneurial outlook is essential as this is a position where you will work closely with the owner of various businesses and interests.
• This is a very exciting opportunity that will require an individual with a commercial mindset, interested in working in a dynamic environment.

Principal Accountabilities: 

• Support the Head of Legal in all legal requirements for the organisation and deputise when necessary.
• Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on finance agreements, as they relate to the various regional bids and projects.
• Give accurate and timely counsel to executives in a variety of legal topics, partnerships, international ventures, corporate finance etc.
• Specify internal governance policies and regularly monitor compliance.
• Apply effective risk management techniques & offer proactive advice on possible legal issues.
• Research and evaluate different risk factors regarding business decisions and operations.
• Communicate and negotiate with external parties (regulators, external counsel, public authority etc.), creating relations of trust
• Draft and solidify agreements, contracts and other legal documents to ensure the company’s full legal rights
• Manage the legal aspects of financial close for APAC projects
• Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on finance agreements, as they relate to the various regional bids and projects
• Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on EPC and O&M agreements, as they relate to the bids and projects
• Support in Bid Preparation execution and submission
• Study corporate structuring for most effective tax and liability compliance in the various regions in conjunction with the International Finance Team
• Liaise and manage relationships with foreign legal advisors
• Support in the commercial and legal negotiations
• Support in the commercial and legal implementation of project in the various regions
• Ensure good corporate governance is followed throughout the lifecycle of projects.
• Support Contract Managers during Construction and Operation phases of the projects
• Manage all legal matters during the Construction and Operation phases of the projects as assigned by the Head of Legal
• Drafting, reviewing, negotiation and advising on all subsequent financial transactions or M&A transactions on the various projects
• Monitor project compliance with local authorities
• Research Legal obligations in various foreign jurisdictions
• Co-ordination of set-up of companies in foreign jurisdictions and manage any ongoing related issues e.g. Director resignations, share transfers etc.
• Manage various legal actions and all associated companies or associated companies as assigned by Senior Legal Counsel, manage or assist with special assignments/projects, as needed.

Required skills and experience:

• Experience in the South African Independent Power Producers Program essential.
• Experience in leading or being part of a team that Bid, performed due diligence and closed a solar project under the SA IPP Program essential.
• Experience in driving and supporting legal and compliance aspects of Solar Energy Industry and related projects
• Broad knowledge of legal aspects of / requirements in the solar industry across multiple territories / jurisdictions
• Collaborative, committed and accountable for delivery
• Entrepreneurial focus and energy – excited by new projects and fields
• Strong research ethic with ability to switch between projects as required
• Strong negotiation skills
• Calm under pressure, with good judgment, and anticipation of requirements under your areas of responsibility.
• Energetic person with strong business acumen
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to think independently and pro-actively & seek clarification when required
• Proven record of versatility. Ability to work well in a diverse entrepreneurial team with a fast-paced work environment, handling multiple priorities.
• Deadline driven, dedicated to efficient productivity.
• Excellent communicator in written and verbal form
• Highly organized with detail orientation and ability to multi-task.
• Proven ability in building and maintaining strong working relationships.

Qualifications:

• Third level qualification in Law and qualified as a legal practitioner
• Fluency in written and verbal English
• Continuous self-development focus in best current and emerging legal practice and implications within the energy industry (with emphasis on solar)