General Counsel

Our client is a regional solar developer, a new JV in the region. The company provides renewable and energy efficiency services to commercial and industrial clients. The company started operations in 2023 and has offices in Dubai and Riyadh.

The Role:

They are seeking an experienced candidate with a strong legal foundation for the role of General Counsel. The General Counsel will be responsible for leading and supporting a broad range of legal, transactional, compliance, and corporate matters. Key responsibilities include:

1. Acting as primary in-house attorney;
2. Structuring and negotiating commercial agreements in the field of solar and energy efficiency as well as other general agreements and finance contracts;
3. Selecting and managing outside legal counsel;
4. Establishing and managing corporate governance and compliance policies.

The General Counsel will work closely with the Contracts & Procurement Manager and will report to the General Manager. The successful candidate will be a self-starter rooted in deep industry experience (solar, energy) and a team player, collaborating easily with other members of the team as well as members of the shareholding companies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Structure and negotiate solar and energy efficiency commercial agreements PPA and BOT in particular; This is FUNDAMENTAL and a must-have skill set in order to apply.
2. Provide general legal counsel to Company CEO on legal issues and risks, regarding complex commercial transactions, company policies, and human resources or employment;
3. Support Company GM on all legal aspects of Corporate Finance structures and initiatives;
4. Responsible for providing legal support to members of the commercial team;
5. Lead legal structuring and negotiation of country-specific debt facilities;
6. Liaise with the legal department in sister and parent companies from time to time;
7. Oversee the selection and management of all outside legal counsel in a cost-effective manner;
8. Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment;
9. Support the development of corporate and compliance policies, procedures, and programs, providing legal counsel for the same.

Requirements:

1. Internationally recognized legal qualifications and at least 7 years general experience and at least 5 years focused on commercial & contract law in the solar / energy sector.
2. Extensive experience and strong track record structuring, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial contracts in the energy sector. Specifically, experience with PPA, EPC, O&M, and Energy efficiency agreements is essential;
3. Experience working on matters of corporate governance and compliance;
4. Experience working internationally and executing cross-border transactions;
5. Outstanding legal and business judgment ability to assess and anticipate risks as well as identify and resolve legal issues efficiently and effectively;
6. Ability to prioritize conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple activities under tight deadlines;
7. High degree of professional ethics and integrity with special attention to maintaining confidentiality of confidential and sensitive matters;
8. Experience selecting and managing outside legal counsel;
9. Strong work ethic with ability to work independently and as a team member;
10. Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.