Legal Counsel (M/W/D)

RWE Renewables Australia Pty Ltd.
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent
 

RWE Renewables is a leading player in the global energy transition, with an international team of around 3,500 employees working together to provide electricity for a sustainable life. We currently have a total capacity of more than 9 gigawatts from existing onshore and offshore wind parks, photovoltaic plants and battery storage plus ambitious plans for continued growth to drive a net zero future for the world.

The role

As a Legal Counsel within the Renewables Australia Legal Team you will be acting as one of the key legal advisors handling legal matters relating to the development and operation of RWE Renewables’  wind, solar, and battery, projects across Australia. 

RWE are looking for an experienced, strongly motivated, and self-confident, Legal Counsel capable of working across the international RWE Renewables’ business. You’ll be a member of the Australian Legal Team, and you will also work closely with the broader Real Estate & Regulatory and Construction & Procurement Teams.  You’ll also be required to form strong relationships with other support functions to deliver a holistic and streamlined service to the RWE Renewables business.

This role will provide you with the opportunity to work on high profile, complex, renewable energy projects and transactions across a variety of Australian jurisdictions.  You will deliver to our Renewables business in Australia and Europe commercial and solution-oriented advice across a mix of projects, transactions, and contracts, relevant to the development, construction, and operation, of renewable projects. 

Your focus will be on acquiring tenure and assisting with regulatory approvals (in particular determining planning pathways and securing grid connection).  You may also be asked to assist with construction, procurement, and corporate transactions.  Experience in whole of lifecycle renewables project development (from access licence to commercial operation) is favourable.
 

Property 

• Advise the business on property contracts and transactions, including drafting and negotiation of licences, options, leases, and easements, for renewables projects
• Provide legal advice and risk assessments in connection with due diligence of greenfield project sites and property asset acquisition transactions
• Provide legal advice in relation to disputes arising from property transactions
• Experience in multiple Australian states (NSW, SA, Vic, and Qld) is ideal 
• FIRB experience is desirable but not a must

Regulatory

• Advise the development team on permitting procedures, planning and environmental law topics, and work with the business on obtaining planning permission and other consents required for the development, construction and operation of renewables projects
• Provide legal advice and risk assessments on planning pathways, environmental and permitting matters
• Advise the development, construction, and engineering teams on grid connection matters and other Australian-specific electricity legislation and regulation, including engagement with network service providers, regulators and market operators 

General

• Provide general advice on procurement, health and safety, intellectual property and other matters related to the development, construction and operation of renewables projects
• Assist with contract negotiations and administration – providing timely and commercial advice to support the business to execute and administer a range of contracts from consultancies to equipment supply contracts
• Provide legal advice in relation to the administrator and potential disputes arising from other contracts 
• Assist in M&A and joint-venture transactions
• Manage organizational or coordination tasks including process optimization initiatives
• Establish and nurture effective cross-functional and cross-cultural working relationships within the global legal team 
• Experience with renewables project development with project finance – either in private practice or in-house – is favourable but is not a must

The successful candidate
To be successful in this role, you will have exceptional legal instinct, combined with a strong understanding of real property law, energy regulation and/or infrastructure projects. It is desirable, but not a must, that you have worked in the Renewables sector previously. Other Energy or Infrastructure experience will also be an asset in this role.   
  

You will also have:

•    Flexibility and ability to work professionally and accurately under pressure
•    Proven organizational, analytical, commercial, and standardization skills
•    Command of English (capability of working in a further European language is beneficial)
•    Good understanding of front-to-end contracting processes and passion for continuous improvement
•    Personal drive, willingness to take initiative and high level of commitment and engagement, enjoy working in an international team (including semi-regular travel – including trips to Europe)
•    Excellent clear communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective cross-functional working relationships, customer centrism, consulting skills and service- solution-oriented mindset
•    Australian legal qualifications, being registered to practice in an Australian state (or capable of seeking registration)
•    At least 3 years PAE
•    Right to work in Australia

The benefits you can rely on

• We offer you the opportunity to contribute your strengths to an interdisciplinary, open-minded and motivated team and bring your ideas to life. 
• Onboarding and development programs are offered too (including CPD).
• Work with an international team on international projects. 
• Flexible working arrangements. 

rwe.com/career

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We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications, irrespective of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion and beliefs, age or sexual orientation and identity. #inclusionmatters

We look forward to receiving your application!

As one of the world’s leading companies in the renewable energy space in Europe and Australia, RWE Renewables Europe & Australia is proud to be paving the way for a greener future. We’ve got over 1,400 employees, all developing and promoting renewable energies across 12 countries. They specialise in the construction of onshore wind turbines, solar plants, and battery storage systems. And they all share the desire to redefine how millions access energy.

We’re well set to hit our 50 GW by 2030 target, and go climate neutral by 2040. That’s thanks to our community of experts currently building Europe and Australia’s largest onshore wind farms – as well as a pipeline of exciting projects across solar and PV. And the focus isn’t just on harnessing clean energy – but also the new technologies that can push our GW ever higher.

Now, we’re looking for more people with the skills and ambition to drive the energy transition. Join RWE Renewables Europe & Australia.
Your energy has impact, use it for good.

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