Legal Expert (Eastern Southern Africa Region)

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive

sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

The project supports the acceleration of access to sustainable and clean energy in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region through the establishment of a Project Preparation Facility (PPF).

An organisation will be appointed as Fund Manager to manage the application-based allocation of grants and specialized consulting services for Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and clean cooking projects from both the public and private sectors. The Fund Manager will also oversee key administrative functions such as contracting, monitoring, and reporting. In addition to operational responsibilities, the Fund Manager will play a critical role in the detailed design and adaptive development of the PPF to meet evolving market needs. The project promotes collaboration with industry stakeholders and will offer grants-based support through a consultant roster to assist companies, industry associations, investors, and national agencies in project preparation, business development, and cross-border energy solutions

• Provide legal support on energy regulation, licensing, and compliance.
• Draft and review contracts, including TA and grant agreements.
• Ensure alignment of PPF operations with national and international laws.
• Advise on legal risks, especially in cross-border and energy-related transactions.
• Support due diligence on legal aspects of supported companies.

• Relevant academic qualifications in Law at minimum master`s degree level.   

• Basic knowledge of electricity grids and power markets  

• Familiarity with environmental regulations impacting energy production  

• Expertise in energy regulatory frameworks, including licensing, permitting, and compliance  

• Knowledge of contract law related to energy transactions (power purchase agreements, etc.)  

• Experience in legal drafting and analysis of energy-related legislation  

• Practical experience in an energy law firm, government agency, or in-house legal team within the energy sector  
• At least 5 years of relevant experience

• Contract type: Part-time
• Duty station (hybrid work model): ESA region (tbd)
• Expected start date: To Be Confirmed
• This position is contingent upon contract award by the funding authority

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts.

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate based on disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.

How to apply

If you meet the requirements and are excited about this opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today by uploading your CV and motivation letter on Smart Recruiters by 11 June 2025.

Reference & vetting check : At SNV, we conduct thorough background and reference checks for all candidates applying for internationally determined positions, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You will be asked to provide contact details for two individuals who can serve as references. Please note, we will only contact your referees with your explicit permission.

As a participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, our reference checks also include a request to your previous employers to complete a "Statement of Conduct" questionnaire. This questionnaire addresses any instances of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, in line with the Scheme's definitions.

 *We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.