North America Chief Legal Officer

Overview

EDP Renewables is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and operates in more than 25 markets. With eight offices and several sites, EDPR North America develops and operates renewable energy projects including wind farms, solar parks, energy storage projects, and green hydrogen solutions. We are ranked among the top 5 in the U.S. in operational renewable energy capacity.

Our company is part of EDP, a global energy group present in around 30 markets with a focus on renewables. With more than 45 years of experience and more than 13,000 employees, we are committed to driving a better tomorrow.

Role Overview: The North America Chief Legal Officer (CLO) coordinates and manages all EDPR NA legal affairs, including corporate governance, project development and construction matters, contract negotiations, legislative and regulatory affairs, regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local laws, management of outside counsel, financing transactions, litigation management, employment issues, and Company compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Coordinates reporting obligations to the parent company in accordance with Board guidelines, the approved Company strategy and Business Plan, and local and international regulation and legislation to guarantee a competitive structure that supports the Company’s needs and provides legal and administrative support to EDPR NA’s business.

The North America CLO reports directly to the EDPR NA CEO and has a matrixed functional reporting line to the EDP Head of Legal and Governance.

• Provide overall legal and regulatory compliance guidance and support to the Company in the development, execution, and administration of all projects, initiatives and businesses pursued by EDPR NA and EDPR NA DG
• Review and approve all legal aspects of project documents and transactions
• Direct Legal staff in the negotiation and completion of various project agreements and contracts
• Direct Regulatory Compliance staff in conducting internal audits, responding to inquiries from reliability entities, and carrying out compliance functions related to reliability and cybersecurity requirements
• Manage regulatory matters including but not limited to FERC, NERC, CFIUS and applicable policies governing our North American business
• Guide the selection and management of outside project legal resources to ensure efficient task completion
• Develop and manage an effective schedule for the assignment and utilization of legal resources
• Support EDPR NA's project documentation and compliance functions
• Represent the Company before relevant authorities and public/private entities to protect EDPR NA interests and enhance EDPR NA’s image and competitive positioning
• Draft and support negotiations for complex, high-value contracts and business agreements
• Identify legal, regulatory, and risk management issues and oversee risk mitigation plans for business arrangements and contracting frameworks
• Provide advice on risk management techniques and recommend actions to EDPR NA governance bodies
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and oversee all reporting to government units
• Provide upper management with regular administrative information and identify requirements or changes outside one’s authority or area
• Remain abreast of legal developments and provide training, regulatory compliance, and legal awareness to staff
• Manage and supervise legal staff, regulatory compliance staff, and records/information staff
• Establish and implement departmental staff performance service levels aligned with the organization’s mission and Business Plan

Direct reports: 5-10

Travel: 25% or more, as needed

Employment type: Full-Time

Work site: Hybrid Model

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate
• 15+ years of corporate law or project finance experience with a focus on renewable resource or power generation
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas
• Strong background in corporate legal matters with emphasis on energy and preferably renewables, project development and finance, including power purchase agreements, tax matters, joint venture and partnership agreements, M&A,…