Legal Counsel – Mining & Energy

The business:

We are working with the world’s leading steel and mining company. Our client;s goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes, which are more efficient, use less energy and emit significantly less carbon. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Our client has the clear ambition to reduce its CO2 emissions intensity by 35% in Europe by 2030 and to reach company-wide net-zero by 2050. With approximately 168,000 employees, located in over 60 countries, They are more than just a company, They are are a community. They are driven by an entrepreneurial spirt and a passion for excellence, never accepting that the limits of their material have been reached.

Do you want to be part of the steel company of the future? Do you want to be part of pioneering projects aimed at CO2 neutral steel production? Do you want to play a crucial role in the Group Legal and Compliance team? Then you might be the person we are looking for!

The role:

We are looking for a new Legal Counsel – Mining to provide high-quality legal services in support of the mining segment or this group – as the local operator, acting on behalf of this specialist segment as the concessionaire. You will work with the Head of Legal & Compliance – Mining in London and work closely with the Mining team globally. You may be required to travel on an occasional basis to Liberia, Canada and other locations where there are operations.

Your role will support our Mining business on a diverse range of legal topics in conjunction with technical and other subject experts in business and support from internal or external legal counsels.

The position requires a strong experience in various areas of business law, and in particular, contract law. Experience in infrastructure projects, construction contracts and the procurement function in general would be highly regarded. Experience in railway contracts and port contracts would be an added value too.

Responsibilities:

Specific accountabilities and responsibilities include;

• Act as Contract Lawyer for the ongoing expansion project:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contractual documents with third parties in the context of tender processes: (including construction contracts, services agreements, purchase agreements, consultancy agreements, NDAs, LOIs, bridging agreements, settlement agreements, variation orders, etc.);
  • Proactively identify legal risks and propose guidance to mitigate risks;
  • Negotiate tax provisions, bonds and insurance clauses;
  • Support Project team during contract execution phase.

• Provide other legal support in connection with day-to-day business and operational activities. This includes, among others:
  • Provide legal advice;
  • Support commercial team on drafting, reviewing and negotiating FOB and CFR sales contracts and related agreements;
  • Review and draft documents, correspondence and communication scripts;
  • Register new vendors in Dow Jones database.

• Assist, in due course, with the formation of a new entity to act as the rail operator as foreseen in the local Mineral Development Agreement (“MDA”).

• Provide legal advice in connection with the MDA and assist in finalising the ‘Amended and Restated MDA’ which needs to be executed.

• Retain, manage, monitor and report on external law firms and related costs in line with the business needs.

• Stay up-to-date on regulatory and legal changes.

• Collaborate with other Legal, Compliance and Company Secretary team members and exchange regularly on best practices.

• Keep an open line of communication with other members of Group Legal and report on matters of relevance.

The successful cadidate:

• You have obtained a relevant experience of minimum 4-6 years preferably in an international law firm and/or as in-house counsel; experience in the mining, energy, infrastucture industry would be an asset but not essential.

The position requires strong experience:

• As a commercila in-house generalist, namely having experience in various areas of business law (contract law, intellectual property, insurance, labour, litigation, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of contract law, particularly relating to mines, ports and railway, construction or energy and infrastructure
• Experience in West Africa-related matters would be an advantage ot global exposure would be an advantage
• High degree of independence, solid legal background, strong business acumen
• Fluent in oral and written English is a must. French would be an advantage.

Duration of contract: 12 month FTC

Hybrid working: 3-4 days a week in the office (London)

Start date: ASAP – However client would be able to allow for 1 month notice period

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

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