Legal & Contracts Director

Role Summary

Lead legal and contractual risk management across the programme and ensure that major agreements allocate risk clearly and enforceably.

**KEY SUCCESS MEASURES**

• Bankable, clear and enforceable contracts.
• Controlled claims and contractual exposure.
• Timely closing of critical project agreements.

**RECRUITMENT PRINCIPLE**

We are looking first and foremost for hands-on implementers with a proven record of taking real industrial or infrastructure projects from planning through procurement, construction, commissioning and operation.

The roles are part of an international renewable-energy, circular-economy, biorefining and industrial side-stream utilisation investment programme with Côte dIvoire as the principal implementation country. The portfolio includes both fast-start production projects and later large-scale industrial investments.

**EXPECTED WORKING STYLE**

• Practical, decisive and delivery-oriented.
• Fact-based, using measurable results and documented data.
• Prepared to challenge supplier assumptions and verify operating references.
• Able to work in a multicultural environment and build local capability.
• Understands that pilot testing, customer qualification and phased scale-up are central risk-management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead EPC/EPCM and equipment-supply contracts.
• Negotiate technology licence agreements.
• Support land, PPA, offtake, JV and shareholder agreements.
• Support financing agreements and security packages.
• Manage claims, warranties, performance guarantees and liquidated damages.
• Coordinate local legal counsel and regulatory advice.

Requirements

**REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY**

• Strong experience in international commercial contracts.
• Experience with major industrial, energy or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to negotiate complex agreements in English.
• Strong commercial risk judgement.

**PREFERRED EXPERIENCE**

• FIDIC / EPC contracting experience.
• OHADA or African project-law experience.
• Energy, project-finance or technology-licensing background.

**LANGUAGE SKILLS**

• A reasonable level of working English is essential. French language skills are a major advantage.
• Employment form, work location and travel requirements will be defined role by role. Some positions may begin in Finland or elsewhere in Europe, but several key roles will require significant presence in Côte dIvoire during implementation phases.