About Us
Potentia Energy (previously Enel Green Power Australia) is a dynamic joint venture entity co-owned by two global energy leaders, Enel Green Power and INPEX, both committed to driving Australia’s energy transition and supporting the nation in achieving its net zero target.
https://potentiaenergy.com.au/
With a proven track record and extensive expertise across the project lifecycle, Potentia Energy has established a strong presence in the Australian renewable energy sector. After acquiring a significant number of projects, our current operating portfolio currently comprises over 800MW of solar and wind capacity across Australia, with construction underway on a further approximate 200MW of capacity. This acquisition has doubled their current portfolio and has secured Potentia Energy a strong position in WA. Potentia Energy also has rights secured for a development pipeline of over 9GW across Australia and is committed to an ambitious growth agenda, targeting a significant increase to its installed capacity across wind, solar, storage and hybrid projects.
Guided by our core values – Collaboration, Authenticity, Responsibility and Excellence – we work closely with local communities, our partners and customer to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The Role
The role will sit within the Legal and Regulatory Affairs team and report directly to the General Counsel. The successful candidate will work closely with the Procurement, Engineering & Delivery teams to draft, negotiate and deliver all key contracts necessary to finance, construct and operate renewable projects.
We are looking for a lawyer with 5+ years of experience from leading firms in the construction, infrastructure or energy space. Experience in renewables will be highly valued though not essential provided that candidates have extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex construction contracts. This could be an exciting opportunity to pivot into the energy space and work across renewable and energy transition projects.
Any experience in offtaking arrangements and power purchase agreements will also be well regarded but is not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Negotiations and drafting of key contracts including EPC, O&M, development agreements, energy and green rights sales.
- Provide legal advice to the company on matters such as land acquisition, FIRB compliance, and M&A activity.
- Manage legal risks and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Collaborate with other departments within the company to provide legal support and guidance.
- Provide counsel to the local commercial teams with respect to the development, financing, construction and operation of utility-scale renewable energy projects
- Assist with the management of land, regulatory and permitting affairs, particularly during project development stages, including negotiating and managing land options
- Draft and negotiate project contracts such as power purchase agreements, EPC agreements and O&M agreements.
- Manage and supervise outside counsel; manage and be responsible for administrating legal budgets; review and approve outside counsel invoices
- Provide support to compliance department, including advising on regulatory environment and impact of changes in laws.
- Assist with potential disputes
Selection Criteria
- A minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience (preferably at a top tier law firm)
- Current practicing certificate
- Graduate qualifications in law from a recognized university
- Ability to understand commercial objectives and implement legal strategies to facilitate achievement of commercial objectives
- Ability to structure projects and construction contracts to maximise the commercial and legal benefit to business
- Demonstrated skills in legal and commercial problem solving, interpretation of legal agreements and arguments
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- A strong understanding of construction and operations contracts, land acquisition, offtaking agreements, FIRB compliance, and M&A activity.
Our Benefits
Every individual is a valued team member at Potentia Energy, and we’re committed to supporting, growing, and helping each person achieve their full potential. Keeping up a positive work-life balance is a key to success for every team across our business.
Some of our benefits include:
- Flexible working hours – we provide flexible arrangements that will suit you, including a mixture of time working in our office and from home, compressed work week with half day workday on Fridays. Because you are working from home, we also provide $50 internet reimbursements each month.
- Health and wellbeing initiatives – including $100 wellness rebate each month, annual flu vaccinations and health checks, and a day off for your birthday each year. If you’re in the office, we have $35 lunch credits that you can use each week.
- Learning and development opportunities – both on the job and via formal training including technical, role specific and leadership development programs.
- Employee Assistance Program – confidential and independent counselling and advice service for either a personal or work-related problem if you or a member of your immediate family needs help or advice.
