Senior Legal Counsel - Renewable Energy | Porto, Portugal

A leading international renewable energy group, active across Europe and the U.S., is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to support its operations in Portugal. With over 1.6 GW of assets under management and a growing pipeline in Iberia and Italy, the Porto office plays a strategic role as both a regional hub and solar competence centre.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Legal Manager Southern Europe and working closely with the HQ legal team, the Senior Legal Counsel will act as the primary legal point of contact in Portugal.

Responsibilities include :

Advising on a broad range of legal, regulatory, and commercial matters

Drafting and negotiating contracts related to renewable energy and PtX projects (IPP perspective)

Supporting business development teams on the legal structuring of new initiatives

Managing legal risks across operations and strategic decisions

Overseeing development-related legal processes : land acquisition, permitting, procurement, construction, PPAs, and O&M

Leading legal support for M&A transactions, due diligence, and deal documentation

Negotiating JV, shareholder, and consortium agreements

Managing and coordinating external legal advisors

Ensuring compliance with Portuguese and EU regulatory frameworks

Advising on corporate governance, labor, and insurance matters across subsidiaries

Contributing to public affairs and staying informed on wind, solar, and PtX regulation

Key Qualifications :

Law degree with strong academic background

Fluent in Portuguese and English; excellent written and verbal communication skills

7-10+ years of experience in a top-tier law firm (ideally energy-focused) and in-house legal role within the renewable sector

Deep knowledge of Portuguese regulatory frameworks and licensing for energy projects

Expertise in energy law, commercial contracts, corporate, and / or real estate

Preferred Skills :

Additional languages : Spanish, Italian, or French

Experience in M&A, project finance, construction contracts (BoP), PPAs, and energy agency agreements

Familiarity with PtX / green hydrogen and Portuguese public law

Solid understanding of IPP business models and regulatory environments

This is a strategic, high-visibility role for a seasoned legal professional eager to take ownership of the legal function in Portugal, drive impactful decisions, and help shape the growth of a dynamic, fast-expanding international energy group.