Construction Lawyer

Construction Lawyer

London or Folkstone

Competitive Salary

About Eleclink Limited

ElecLink was established in 2011 and is developing a high voltage direct current interconnector to link the electricity markets of Great Britain and France via the Channel Tunnel. Once operational, ElecLink will increase the existing interconnection capacity between the two countries by 50% thereby enhancing security of electricity supply for both businesses and domestic consumers. By utilising the existing Channel Tunnel infrastructure, ElecLink will offer 1,000 MW of additional bidirectional capacity with very low environmental impact and very high reliability supporting the efficient utilisation of generation sources (including intermittent low carbon generation) in both countries.  Early works and development have been completed and the project is currently entering the construction phase with leading global contractors under Engineering, Procurement and Construction contracts.  ElecLink is a project sponsored by Groupe Eurotunnel and is targeting commercial operations from 4Q 2019.  ElecLink has been designated an EU Project of Common Interest.

Introduction

ElecLink is seeking a Construction Lawyer, reporting to the General Counsel, on a 3 year fixed term arrangement to join its in-house legal team until the start of the operations phase. 

The primary focus of the role will be to offer legal advice and support to assist the Construction Director to achieve his/her requisite objectives. The role will involve working directly alongside management and key personnel required by ElecLink during the construction phase, including construction, engineering, commercial, HSE, finance and insurance personnel. 

Ideally you will be coming from a private practice or a leading multi-national engineering, construction or insurance supplier, with 4-8 years PQE in engineering and construction. Relevant experience is required in EPC and O&M contracts (including contract drafting and management), claims management, dispute resolution or litigation, insurance and HSE related matters. Experience in land and infrastructure corridor work is advantageous. Good knowledge or industry exposure to technical systems, solutions and services for the transmission and distribution of electrical power is beneficial but not essential. 

This role would ideally suit someone seeking flexible working arrangements of approx. 32 hours per week. We will work with the right candidate in determining the core hours to suit both parties and we are flexible on location as our offices are based in both London and Folkestone. Some travel is required between the sites and occasional day or overnight travel within Europe is anticipated, with advance notification of the business need.

If you would like to apply for this role, please send a cover letter which describes your suitability for the role and your CV before 15th December 2016. Please note that if you do not receive a response to your application within 2 weeks of the date of close of applications, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Responsibilities

•    Legal advice and support in relation to the EPC and O&M contracts, including notices and instructions, applications, invoicing and payment, variations and changes, disputes and claims, delays, extensions of time, force majeure and liquidated damages, bonds and guarantees, intellectual property rights, termination, progress monitoring and financial reviews, liabilities, insurance, HSE related matters, confidentiality, etc. 
•    Interface with the Channel Tunnel Concessionaire under ElecLink’s access arrangements to the Channel Tunnel
•    Support in relation to the Grid Connection / Operating Protocol Agreements within the framework of various project stakeholders such as ElecLink, EPC contractors, the Tunnel Concessionaire and Financiers) 
•    Support in relation to property instruments and land access arrangements for the Convertor Station sites and AC land cable route (including permitting and planning permissions)
•    Facilitating the construction interface with the commercial director in relation to ElecLink’s off-taker arrangements and with the head of finance in relation to ElecLink’s financing arrangements
•    General advice and input in developing operational phase agreements and capabilities 

Minimum Standards & Selection Criteria

Ideally you will be coming from private practice or a leading multinational engineering, construction or insurance supplier, with 4-8 years PQE in engineering and construction. Relevant experience is required in EPC and O&M contracts (including contract drafting and management), claims management, dispute resolution / litigation, insurance and HSE related matters. Relevant experience in project financing or financial sectors, as well as land and infrastructure corridor work, is advantageous. Good knowledge or industry exposure to technical systems, solutions and services for the transmission and distribution of electrical power is beneficial but not essential.

ElecLink is seeking an individual with a collaborative work ethic who is open to views of others in order to achieve the company goals.  You will be skilled to plan ahead and identify important issues and work in a systematic way while sustaining excellent organisational, delivery and communication skills.  You should possess the dexterity to adapt to different audiences and interact at all levels, be self-motivated and results orientated and willing to take ownership and responsibility.  You will be trustworthy, fair and honest - respecting confidentiality, and at all times uphold the reputation of the company.
French speaking for this role is advantageous but not essential.