Legal Counsel

Shell Downstream South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“SDSA”) is looking to give an experienced admitted attorney the opportunity to work as an in-house Legal Counsel supporting its Downstream business. 

Where you fit in

Shell Group’s Legal's strategic intent is to partner with our businesses and functions in the delivery of the organization’s purpose and strategy. The team delivers all aspects of legal services with operational excellence, supported by a culture that embeds and sustains differentiating behaviors and networked performance.

Our Downstream business occurs within the complex South African legal and regulatory system and an intricate set of internal policies, procedures, and controls. In this environment, you will work independently and take the legal lead for matters within the Downstream business.

What’s the role? 

As Legal Counsel, you will provide professional, proactive, timely, cost-effective, practical and commercially fit-for-purpose legal advice and support to SDSA’s Downstream business.

Your further responsibilities include:

• Identifying legal risks in a variety of circumstances and offer alternative strategies and mitigation steps, balancing the business desired outcomes and protecting the business against legal risks.
• Independently lead meaningful continuous engagements with business and functional leaders and manage their legal support expectations.
• Identify the need to involve Legal colleagues from other departments and Regional and Global teams, display networked performance by collaborating and coordinating, as necessary, with them and integrate their inputs to deliver business desired outcomes in a risk mitigated manner.
• Represent SDSA vis-à-vis third parties in legal negotiations and/or engagements.
• Protect SDSA’s rights and reputation in all financial, contractual, and other arrangements.
• Draft, interpret and generally, ensure documents accurately reflect commercial decisions and legal advice, always consistent with legal obligations and internal Shell Group policies.
• Instruct and manage external counsels in accordance with Shell Group Legal’s internal policies.

What we need from you?

We are keen to hear from admitted attorneys, with a law degree and professional legal qualifications, and 4-6 years post qualification experience.  

Beyond that, we would like to see the following on your CV:

• Knowledge of corporate and commercial law and experience in managing litigation matters from commencement to finalisation.
• Experience in environmental law will be an advantage (but not a pre-requisite).
• Extensive knowledge of local laws, particularly the Companies Act, the Protection of Personal Information Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
• Influencing, negotiating and facilitation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong drafting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong academic background and capable of applying jurisprudence in real situations.

Scam Warning:

SDSA does not request monetary payments (e.g. insurance policy, visa/work permit, HUET or HSSE training, special job offer, etc.) for employment. Individuals who are interested in opportunities within the Shell Group will find open positions listed on the company websites www.shell.com/careers when available.

SDSA does not make use of employment forms; neither does the company process CVs that have not been submitted through the proper websites: www.shell.com/careers. All successful applicants who receive an offer of employment from SDSA would have been required to go through a formal and transparent recruitment process.

To learn more about SDSA and Shell’s recruitment process please visit our website www.shell.com/careers.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The world faces energy challenges that are becoming more complex each day. We are looking for people who share our passion for taking on those challenges with cutting edge technology, innovative thinking and a commitment to properly managed risk. Shell develops and operates some of the largest and most complex projects in the world and we always endeavour to work at the leading edge of technical innovation. 

An innovative place to work

There’s never been a more exciting time to work at SDSA. Everyone here is helping solve one of the biggest challenges facing the world today: bringing the benefits of energy to everyone on the planet, whilst managing the risks of climate change. 

Join us and you will add your talent and imagination to a business with the power to shape the future – whether by investing in renewables, exploring new ways to store energy or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently.  

An inclusive place to work

To power progress together, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we’re nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills and reach your potential… 

• We’re creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply and we’ll take it from there. 
• We’re closing the gender gap – whether that’s through action on equal pay or by enabling more women to reach senior roles in engineering and technology. 
• We’re striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 
• We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application. 

A rewarding place to work

Combine our creative, collaborative environment and global operations with an impressive range of benefits and joining SDSA becomes an inspired career choice.  

We’re huge advocates for career development. We’ll encourage you to try new roles and experience new settings. By pushing people to reach their potential, we frequently help them find skills they never knew they had, or make career moves they never thought possible.