** Job Purpose:

The Legal Counsel will be responsible for implementing ZE-ENERGY’s risk and legal strategy overseeing and managing the legal aspects of ZE-ENERGY’s operations across multiple [European ] countries, ensuring that the company’s contractual architecture is up-to-date, compliant with local laws and enforceable before relevant courts. This position will involve managing contractual agreements, selecting and appointing external legal advisors, and ensuring compliance throughout the company’s portfolio of solar PV and lithium battery storage hybrid plants.

** Key Responsibilities

Contractual Operations

• Contractual Architecture Implementation:

  • Maintain and update the company’s standard contractual templates and term sheets for use across its various entities.

  • Ensure all contracts reflect the latest legal and corporate requirements and company standards, ethical principles and best practices.

• Contract Drafting and Negotiation:

  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including agreements related to project development, construction, operation, maintenance, and energy sales.

  • Provide legal support during contract negotiations with external partners, clients, and stakeholders to ensure favourable and compliant terms for ZE-ENERGY.

• Select and Appoint External Legal Counsels:

  • Identify and appoint external legal counsels in various countries to assist with specific legal needs, such as adapting contracts to comply with local laws and regulations.

  • Manage relationships with external legal counsels and ensure that external legal advice aligns with the company’s objectives and legal framework.

• Contract Management:

  • Monitor contract performance and manage the execution of contract renewals or terminations.

  • Resolve any contractual disputes.

Regulatory Monitoring

• Monitor and interpret local, national, and European Union regulations affecting renewable energy projects, including solar PV and energy storage.

Compliance

• Ensure contractual and operation compliance with applicable laws and regulations in each country where the company operates (e.g., France, Italy, Germany, etc.).

• Ensure effective and homogeneous contractual and operation compliance with ZE-ENERGY’s corporate requirements and ethical principles.

Document Management

• Maintain organized and accurate legal documentation and records related to all ongoing projects, contracts, and regulatory filings.

Risk Management

• Identify potential legal risks within the company’s operations and provide strategic advice to minimize legal exposure.

• Provide legal insights on strategic decisions to support the growth and success of the company’s hybrid renewable energy projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Law Degree (LLM or equivalent) from a recognized university; additional qualifications (Bar admission, Business or Engineering training) would be a plus.

• 5+ years of successful legal practice, with a focus on energy or infrastructure sectors and project finance. Experience with renewable energy or hybrid systems (solar + storage) is highly desirable.

• Experience in managing cross-border legal matters, including drafting and negotiating multiple jurisdictions contracts.

• Fluency in English and French is essential, and proficiency in other European languages (Italian or German) is an advantage.

Key Skills

• Strong understanding of renewable energy project contracts, including PPAs, grid access agreements, and merchant agreements.

• Excellent contract negotiation and drafting skills, with attention to detail in adapting to different legal environments.

• Ability to select, appoint, and manage external legal counsel across different countries.

• Strong knowledge of European and local energy laws.

• Problem-solving and dispute resolution skills, with the ability to mitigate legal risks and resolve contractual issues.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, international environment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage legal workstreams across various projects.