Our client is a growing and ambitious energy business, based in London, who are looking to expand their legal team with an experienced and highly skilled Finance/Project Finance lawyer of around 6-12 PQE. The successful candidate should be able to undertake legal work in English and in French and have experience of working in a major international law firm and ideally some in-house experience in Oil & Gas or Renewables, although this is not a prerequisite. The candidate will play a critical role in providing legal support internally on corporate matters and projects in the energy sector in Africa. This role requires strong legal expertise especially in broad finance transactions and corporate finance, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and with outside counsel. Experience in the energy sector and on legal matters in Africa is desired but not essential. This role is open to both UK and Internationally qualified lawyers, offering relocation and visa sponsorship.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide and manage legal advice and support on acquisitions and disposals.
- Provide and manage legal advice and support on energy projects including project development and finance in oil and gas, wind, solar, hydro and hydrogen projects.
- Provide legal advice on and support on oil and gas related matters, including exploration, development, production, and related activities.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements, including share purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, offtake agreements, projects agreements, construction contracts and service agreements.
- Support financing activities, including due diligence, loan agreements, and security documentation.
- Advise on compliance with local and international laws and regulations, including environmental, health and safety standards.
- Advise on legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential issues.
- Liaise with government authorities, regulatory bodies.
- Work on and advise on contentious matters, including litigation and arbitration, when required.
- Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legal developments in the energy sector.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including Business Development, Renewables and Operations, to ensure alignment and successful project execution.
- Provide general corporate advice.
- Provide training and guidance to junior legal staff and other team members on legal matters.
- Working with and managing external counsel.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Qualified lawyer with a minimum of 6 years PQE.
- Minimum 4 to 5 years post qualification experience in major international UK, US or French law firms, and/or international firms focussed on cross border matters in Africa.
- Fluency and ability to work in English and French.
- Extensive transactional experience in corporate and/or project matters.
- Demonstrable track record in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and agreements on cross border transactions.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Ability to work with and manage outside counsel.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- High level of integrity and professionalism.
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