Legal Counsel - Project Development (Land and Environment)

The purpose of this role is to provide comprehensive legal advisory and support services to Pele Energy Group and its subsidiaries, ensuring the effective identification, management, and mitigation of legal and contractual risks across all group activities, portfolio investments, and underlying projects.

The role places particular emphasis on land rights, property transactions, environmental compliance, permitting processes, and regulatory matters, ensuring that all operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards while supporting the Group’s strategic objectives.

• Support the Project Development business unit to draft, manage, negotiate and execute a range of agreements relating to the company’s project development pipeline including, joint venture agreements, land lease options, land agreements, memorandums of understanding, joint development agreements and sale-leaseback arrangements.
• Support bid activities and ensure compliance of bids with RFP requirements.
• Support engagements with various authorities related to project development, including environmental authorities, municipalities, and others as appropriate.
• Support negotiation and drafting of project documents, specifically power purchase agreements and project development agreements for commercial and industrial clients.
• Coordinate with outside counsel to effectively and efficiently manage the Company’s project pipeline and corporate responsibilities.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are executed timely and excellently, while effectively protecting and communicating the company’s risk.
• Provide strategic corporate counsel and efficient resolution of all legal issues, and represent the Company in any legal disputes, if required.
• Monitor and advise on relevant legislation impacting the Company and ensure the business is kept abreast of new legislative and regulatory developments.
• Document legal, commercial and risk policies and processes, where required, to ensure the effective operation of the Company.  
• Assist with various tasks and projects as is necessary for the company’s overall success.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 5+ years’ experience at a top-tier law firm, specialising in legal advisory services across property, regulatory, and commercial matters
• Extensive project development or infrastructure experience with a background in the renewable energy sector
• Outstanding business acumen and decisive critical thinking skills
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities, work independently and operate in a fast-paced, dynamic and matrixed environment
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to demonstrate good judgment and evaluate risk while considering the larger picture
• Solution-oriented and effective communicator with the ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, fast-growing, and collaborative environment
• Excellent drafting skills
• Client facing experience and the ability to understand and respond effectively to client needs
• A commercial approach and an ability to negotiate effectively
• A collaborative attitude to working within large teams and with colleagues at all levels.
• Ability to interpret legislation and regulatory frameworks within various jurisdictions, as well as identify and effectively manage legal risks and recommend appropriate remedial courses of action

Competencies 

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership 
• Planning & Organizing 
• Monitoring & Measuring 

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail 
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical 
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Quality Orientation