Position Description

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Purpose                                     

To provide legal services to the Pacific Hydro group of companies (“PH Group”), a leading developer, owner and operator of renewable energy projects in Australia.

Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe major responsibilities of the position, including the expected outcomes, standard and timeframes. i.e. the what and the how.

Provide effective legal support through:

• Providing timely, strategic and commercially relevant legal advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders on a wide range of issues arising across the PH Group, including issues arising in the context of renewable energy development projects, the Retail business and other areas.
• Reviewing, drafting and advising on legal documentation that used by the PH Group including, but not limited to, the following:
  • lease agreements and associated land contracts;
  • minor works contracts, construction contracts, power purchase agreements, operations and maintenance and supply contracts, IT services contracts, consultancy agreements; and
  • contracts with customers for the sale of energy and related collateral.
• Preparation of legal updates and general advice that is relevant to the PH Group’s business and the renewable energy sector generally.
• Legal research.
• Review of, and advising the PH Group’s business on, regulatory changes in energy.
• Managing legal documentation associated with landholdings (e.g. caveats, easements, mortgagee consents etc).
• Preparing FIRB applications and advising on compliance with FIRB requirements and conditions.
• Assisting in relation to disputes and litigation.
• Liaising with regulatory authorities, government bodies and other organisations as required on legal and regulatory matters relating to the PH Group’s business.
• Providing written submissions to energy regulators where required by the PH Group.
• Assisting in developing and delivering staff training in specific areas of law (for example, competition and consumer law, contract law issues, energy regulations etc.)
• Ensure that the Company’s compliance obligations are actively maintained, managed and kept up- to-date with particular focus on cyber security and data protection and the compliance obligations allocated to the position title as identified in the Company’s Register of Compliance Obligations (as set out in the Compliance Procedure and as amended from time to time). [Note: This wording needs to be in every PD as it is a compliance requirement]

Knowledge, experience (including qualification) and skill

Knowledge and experience:   

• Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in Victoria with 5-7 years of PQE in a law firm or a strong in-house legal team.
• Experience in the Energy sector essential.
• Commercial law experience.
• Experience in construction or property law desirable.

Skills:

• Effective client and stakeholder management.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiating and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commerciality and the ability to balance pragmatism and risk.
• Excellent planning, organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear and uncomplicated manner.
• Enthusiastic attitude and willingness to work outside of comfort zone