Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a
Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
A leading Africa-focused independent power producer with UK parentage is seeking a full-time in-house legal resource to cover a senior team member’s maternity leave.
The role will focus primarily on leading the legal workstream of a solar and battery renewable energy project, alongside supporting additional ongoing power projects. The successful candidate will step into an active project portfolio and ensure continuity through to financial close, including debt drawdown.
This is a fixed-term, full-time engagement for approximately six months, expected to commence around May/June 2026.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Renewable Energy Project Finance Lawyer (Interim, Full-Time)
Direct Report: General Counsel
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Project Leadership - Solar & Battery Project
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Lead the legal workstream for a renewable energy solar + battery storage project.
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Manage legal aspects from development phase through financial close.
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Coordinate with internal stakeholders and senior management.
Transaction Documentation & Negotiation
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Lead negotiation and execution of:
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Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
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EPC contracts
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Financing agreements
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Ancillary project documentation
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Support debt drawdown readiness and conditions precedent.
Counsel Management & Coordination
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Manage international and local external counsel.
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Oversee legal deliverables across multiple jurisdictions.
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Ensure alignment across legal, technical, and financial workstreams.
Broader Portfolio Support
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Provide legal input on additional ongoing power projects.
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Maintain continuity on existing transaction pipelines.
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Ensure documentation, risk assessment, and compliance standards are upheld.
Requirements
Experience Required:
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Qualified lawyer (South Africa preferred).
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Significant experience in renewable energy project development and finance.
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Strong experience with PPAs, EPC contracts, and project financing.
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Demonstrated experience leading transactions through financial close.
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In-house experience strongly preferred.
Technical Requirements:
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Deep understanding of project finance structures.
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Familiarity with cross-border renewable energy projects in Africa.
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Ability to manage multi-jurisdictional counsel.
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Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
Other Requirement:
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Commercial mindset.
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Ability to step into live projects quickly with minimal ramp-up.
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Strong stakeholder management.
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Structured, organized, and delivery-focused.
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Full-time availability for approximately six months.
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Able to onboard rapidly into active transactions.
Working Arrangement
Location: Based in South Africa (Cape Town or Johannesburg).
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: May - June 2026
Contracting Period: 6 months
