Legal Expert for Energy Efficiency Guarantee Mechanism

Job Posting Organization:
The Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) operates under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities of Mauritius. It collaborates with the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP CCC) and Capital Asset Management Ltd (CAM) to establish mechanisms that enhance energy efficiency in Mauritius. The organization is focused on creating sustainable energy solutions and promoting energy efficiency practices across various sectors. EEMO aims to facilitate the implementation of energy efficiency projects and ensure compliance with both local and international standards. The organization has been involved in various initiatives to support the development of energy service companies (ESCOs) and financial institutions in the energy sector, thereby contributing to the overall reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Mauritius.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Expert is crucial for the establishment and operationalization of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to manage a grant from the Mitigation Action Facility. This SPV will provide guarantees to banks for loans extended to Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) that are engaged in energy efficiency projects. The Legal Expert will be responsible for drafting and vetting all necessary legal documents, ensuring they comply with Mauritian law and international best practices. The role requires adapting existing legal frameworks to fit the local context, thereby facilitating the financing of energy efficiency initiatives. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including banks and ESCOs, to ensure that the legal agreements are comprehensive and enforceable, ultimately supporting the goal of creating a self-sustaining financing loop for energy efficiency projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Expert will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Adapting a standard energy performance contract (EPC) to align with Mauritian legal conditions.
• Drafting the constitutive documents necessary for the establishment of the SPV.
• Vetting all governance documents and operational manuals related to the SPV's operations.
• Developing management agreements between the SPV and participating stakeholders, detailing the scope of services and compensation structures.
• Drafting guarantee agreements between the SPV, banks, and ESCOs, ensuring alignment with the EPC.
• Reviewing and finalizing all drafted documents to ensure they are legally binding and enforceable under Mauritian law.
• Participating in workshops to present and train stakeholders on the contracts and their applications. The Legal Expert will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the SPV operates effectively and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Maîtrise en Droit, or a similar qualification. A minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate law, financial services, or a related field is essential. Proven experience in drafting legal documents for Special Purpose Vehicles, guarantee funds, or similar financial structures is required. Familiarity with energy-related legal frameworks, particularly those pertaining to energy efficiency in Mauritius or internationally, would be advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to navigate complex legal environments.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree in Law or an equivalent qualification. This educational background is critical as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding and drafting complex legal documents and agreements relevant to the energy sector and financial services.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of professional experience in corporate law, financial services, or a related field. This experience should include a strong focus on drafting legal documents for Special Purpose Vehicles and guarantee funds. Additionally, experience with energy-related legal frameworks, particularly in the context of energy efficiency, is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven track record of working with various stakeholders, including financial institutions and energy service companies.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for drafting legal documents, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring that all agreements are clearly articulated and understood. While not mandatory, knowledge of French or other languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with local stakeholders in Mauritius.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time, with an expected duration of 37 working days. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, or training stages. The organization emphasizes transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.