About the Private Infrastructure Development Group

At the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), we get infrastructure finance moving and multiplying – accelerating climate action and sustainable development where most urgently needed. We work with public and private partners to bridge financing gaps, directing capital and expertise into projects that promote climate resilience and sustainable growth. Working throughout the project lifecycle, we reduce financial risk, transform markets, and build local capacity, creating a deep and lasting impact.

We work to improve lives throughout south and south-east Asia and Africa. Active since 2002, more than 50% of our investments have been either in countries classified as Least Developed Countries or Fragile and Conflict Affected States. These are the countries where infrastructure gaps are the largest and most urgent and where the population is youngest and growing fastest. These are also the countries that contributed the least to climate change and yet are suffering the worse impacts, in some of the regions with the richest biodiversity left on the planet, which is quickly being depleted.

Building on a pioneering track record of integrating climate and inclusion considerations in infrastructure investment, we launched our 2030 strategy in 2023, which makes action on climate and nature, together with sustainable development through new and improved infrastructure, the central purpose of all we do.

About the role

The Head of Legal Africa, part of the Global Legal Team, will oversee the delivery of legal support across the Africa portfolio, supporting PIDG’s InfraCo product offering in Africa. Reporting to the Global General Counsel, the Head of Legal Africa will take responsibility for ensuring that InfraCo adheres to all legal requirements on its projects and investments and monitoring all applicable legal aspects of its projects and investments.

Role and responsibilities

Projects and Investments

• Manage and oversee advice and actions in relation to the development, structuring, financing and operating of investments and projects, including in relation to dropping, wind-down, expansion and/or exits.
• Manage and oversee drafting of project development, investment, financing and divestment related documents. Manage and oversee legal negotiations on the same and provide support for project teams in drafting and finalisation of commercial
• Manage, monitor and provide active oversight of legal and risk aspects, spotting issues and providing mitigations project development, investment, financing and divestment activities.
• Manage litigation risks in respect of projects and investments. Oversee day to day management of legal disputes and liaise with Global General Counsel on potential strategies.
• Review and interpret legal and regulatory requirements and provision of pertinent, clear and concise advice and opinions to support project
• Provide ad hoc advice in respect of project development, investment, financing and divestment activities.
• Work closely and coordinate with the Business Integrity Team to ensure seamless delivery on projects and investments.

Corporate aspects, risk management & functional support

• Support the Global General Counsel on various matters.
• Manage and oversee external counsel and advisors in the delivery of work product, including managing counsel spend and budget.
• Build, manage and maintain strong working relationships with other key stakeholders within PIDG.
• Define and carry out goals and agenda for the Africa Legal Team and development of the function in agreement with the Global General Counsel.
• Manage and motivate the Africa Legal Team to achieve efficient and effective service levels to internal and external stakeholders, including effective team building, management and succession planning as a functional leader.
• Management of Africa Legal Team spend.
• Work closely with and support other functions across PIDG in relation to legal matters and strategies, which may include employment, data privacy and regulatory aspects.
• Play a key role as senior team member, working with other Legal leads across PIDG as required to support and develop the Global Legal function in PIDG, including providing training and sharing of ideas and best practices.
• Act in all instances as an ambassador of PIDG, displaying and demonstrating the highest ethical and moral standards.

Qualifications and educational requirements

• D. or equivalent law degree.
• Relevant professional qualifications.
• Strong academics.

Experience

• 15+ years of hands-on relevant legal experience.
• Strong experience in Africa, particularly in emerging markets, including development finance, project finance and M&A.
• Expertise in infrastructure or related sectors.
• Proven track record in developing talent, leading a team and mentoring team members.
• Significant experience in managing complex transactions.
• Experience in working on disputes.

Skills

• Must be a team player, willing to help out wherever needed.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Advanced negotiation skills, particularly in structuring agreements such as shareholders agreements, joint ventures, share purchase agreements and loan agreements.
• Skilled in analysing complex legal and business issues and providing relevant advice to stakeholders.
• Strong organisational abilities and proven leadership and influencing skills.
• Proactive, able to anticipate issues and develop practical solutions.
• Applies sound, principled judgment in a dynamic legal environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in French is a plus.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Closing date for application: 16/12/24

PIDG is an equal opportunities employer and values the diversity of all its employees, associates, owners, service providers and customers