Legal Counsel (Project Development) - Solar, Wind & Battery Projects

at  DArcy Weil

D’ARCY WEIL IS REPRESENTING A GLOBAL LEADER IN LOW-CARBON ENERGY AND SERVICES, COMMITTED TO SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. WITH OPERATIONS IN OVER 70 COUNTRIES AND A STRONG FOCUS ON INNOVATION, OUR CLIENT IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF DRIVING THE TRANSITION TOWARDS RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS. IN AUSTRALIA, THE COMPANY IS DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSETS AND PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES TO MEET THE EVOLVING ENERGY NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION.

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to join their Melbourne team, focusing on project development within the renewable energy sector. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of renewable energy projects, navigate complex legal landscapes, and drive forward the company’s mission of sustainable energy innovation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognized institution; admission to practice law in Australia is essential.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project development, preferably within the renewable energy or infrastructure sector.
• Proven track record of drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, with a strong understanding of project finance principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing renewable energy projects in Australia, including planning, environmental, and energy regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and delivering results under tight deadlines.
• Experience in managing external legal counsel and consultants, with a focus on achieving cost-effective and efficient outcomes.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of ambiguity and uncertainty, with a willingness to embrace new challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to upholding the company’s values of sustainability, innovation, and responsibility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal support and guidance throughout the entire project development lifecycle, from inception to operation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements related to project development, including land leases, power purchase agreements, engineering, procurement, and construction contracts.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and external stakeholders, to facilitate the successful execution of project development initiatives.
• Conduct due diligence assessments and risk analyses to identify legal issues and mitigate potential liabilities associated with project development activities.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and consultants, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of legal services.
• Stay abreast of relevant legislative and regulatory developments impacting the renewable energy industry and advise internal stakeholders on potential implications.
• Provide strategic legal advice on project financing arrangements, including debt and equity financing structures, to support project viability and financial sustainability.
• Support the negotiation and execution of project acquisition and divestiture transactions, including conducting legal due diligence and drafting transactional documents.
• Assist in resolving disputes and managing legal claims arising from project development activities, utilizing negotiation, mediation, and litigation strategies as necessary.
• Develop and implement best practices, standard templates, and processes to streamline and optimize legal support for project development initiatives.
• Participate in internal training sessions and knowledge sharing activities to enhance legal expertise within the organization and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Represent the company in industry forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements to promote renewable energy projects and foster strategic partnerships.

NOTE: PLEASE APPLY WITH A PROFESSIONAL COVER LETTER OUTLINING YOUR SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE RELATING TO THE ROLE.