Legal Counsel – Renewable Energy Projects

About the role

Join the fast‑growing legal team at Solarcentury Africa (SCA) and support the development, financing and operation of utility‑scale solar and battery projects across Sub‑Saharan Africa. You will work on a high volume of complex documentation while influencing strategy and decision‑making at senior level.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate project development documents such as land leases, grid agreements, PPAs and government support agreements.
• Negotiate EPC, O&M, supply contracts and performance bonds.
• Prepare and manage finance documentation, including debt facilities, guarantees, security and direct agreements.
• Handle corporate transactions like share purchase agreements, shareholder agreements and share subscription documents.
• Advise senior management on legal risks, mitigation strategies and contribute to business decisions.
• Manage external counsel in the UK and African jurisdictions and represent SCA in stakeholder meetings.
• Lead the integration of AI tools within the legal team’s workflow.

Required profile

• Law degree with at least five years post‑qualification experience in an international law firm or in‑house role, preferably in project finance, corporate finance or M&A within the energy sector.
• Proven track record of drafting and negotiating complex transactional documents for renewable‑energy projects.
• Experience working in emerging markets and familiarity with project‑finance structures involving equity investors, lenders and development finance institutions.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, capable of coordinating multiple workstreams and meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and confidence engaging with government authorities, utilities and commercial partners.
• Willingness to travel to Sub‑Saharan Africa as required.

Required skills

• Experience with legal AI tools.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities.