Legal Associate at Distributed Renewable Energy Enhancement Facility (DREEF)

Job Summary

• The DREEF is seeking to appoint a Legal Associate to provide comprehensive legal support and guidance, both at the institutional and project level, to ensure the successful development, financing, and implementation of DRE projects. This role involves supporting legal structuring, managing compliance, and mitigating legal risks to facilitate timely financial close and project execution.
• This position is critical to the overall performance of the DREEF and will report directly to the Legal Manager.

Job Details

• Review/assess the Legal DRE Project Development Criteria[1] (Toolkit) and Company’s appraisal requirements and incorporate them into the applicable standard operating procedures for the DREEF’s technical assistance support criteria and methodology.
• Work closely alongside and interface with the Legal counterpart officer at InfraCredit to ensure symmetry of information, knowledge exchange, and alignment on information/output requirements that meet project finance lenders' bankability requirements.
• Conduct thorough preliminary legal appraisal of potential DRE projects supported by the DREEF, including reviewing permits, licenses, and other legal prerequisites.
• Support in the assessment of legal feasibility of the projects and provide recommendations to the technical team.
• Assist in the development and review legal structures for the DRE developers and projects to ensure compliance with relevant local laws.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts, agreements, and other legal documents related to project development, financing, and implementation.
• Ensure that all projects comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact DRE project development and advise the DREEF accordingly.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with DRE project development and financing.
• Provide legal support for corporate-level activities, including board meetings, shareholder agreements, and corporate filings.
• Ensure that the DRE project developer adheres to best practices in corporate governance and legal compliance.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Manage the preparation of legal documentation required for project approvals, company’s legal appraisal, and compliance with regulatory and investor requirements.
• Engage with project stakeholders, including developers, co-investors, and government entities, to build partnerships and expand the network of the DREEF.
• Provide support to knowledge management activities on all legal workstreams including documenting lessons learned from joint project development activities, recommending revision(s) to the project development process based on lessons learned, and providing legal training and support to internal and external teams and partners.
• Participate in industry conferences and workshops to represent DREEF and expand its network in the renewable energy industry, as well as stay abreast of advancements in the renewable energy sector to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements in the project development process of the DREEF.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and BL qualification. A master’s degree or relevant professional certifications is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legal practice, with a focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, or project finance.
• Good understanding of local laws and regulations related to renewable energy projects e.g., Mini-Grid Regulations 2023, and Electricity Act 2023.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex contracts and agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural and geographic settings.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to sustainability and renewable energy development.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to effectively collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Good written and oral communication skills including expertise in MS Office suite.
• Ability to simplify legal concepts and legal documentation.