Legal Counsel - Hydrogen Technology

About the position...
Our Client, a global subsidiary of a leading international investment/trading company of Japan, is introducing advancing Hydrogen Technology to the world – particularly focusing on developing and managing power generation projects in various countries, focusing on Australia. Upon opening their HQ in Melbourne, they are seeking for  an experienced and confident corporate lawyer to join their expert team as Legal Counsel.

This position offers a distinguished opportunity to leverage solid and confident experience in support of transformational renewable energy initiatives, including innovative hydrogen production projects. You will provide strategic legal expertise, ensure compliance, and advance the company’s objectives by shaping effective legal frameworks to drive success of hydrogen projects in Australia and beyond.  Your experience as an energy lawyer is highly regarded. 

Our Client sets high goals towards their future growth – ready to work with ambitious individuals eager to grow with the company. 

About the role...

• Serve as the  legal lead for project development, asset management, and corporate matters. Prior in-house experience within the energy sector is highly preferable. 
• Act as the Company’s legal representative, ensuring robust oversight and assurance for project development and asset management activities.
• Assist during negotiations of project agreements, and lead discussions on legal matters within these agreements.Provide detailed legal assessments on renewable energy and hydrogen production projects, ensuring compliance and alignment with relevant regulations and standards.
• Undertake comprehensive legal due diligence for acquisition opportunities.
• Engage with internal and external project stakeholders, including Project partners, Lenders and clients’ legal personnel/advisors, Insurance providers, First Nations people and entities.
• Coordinate and liaise with functional teams within the organisation, including General Counsel, Business Development and Portfolio Management Team, Accounting & Tax Team
• Maintain a thorough understanding of local conditions, including social license considerations, environmental factors, risk assessments, and requirements of traditional owner corporations. Ensure project teams monitor and respond to changes in the local environment effectively.

• Qualifications:  Admission as a lawyer licensed to practice in Australia.
• Experience:  Minimum 5 years PAE in corporate law, project development and M&A, within the power or renewable energy sectors . Experience in hydrogen projects is a plus.
• Skills:  Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities, with a proven capacity to collaborate across all organisational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Flexibility:  Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.