Legal Affairs & Compliance Manager

About the role

The Legal Affairs and Compliance Manager will support TotalEnergies' exploration and production activities in South Africa and Namibia. Reporting to senior management, the role ensures legal compliance across joint ventures, licensing, environmental permitting and corporate governance while navigating a challenging political and economic environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to all departments on joint‑venture contracts, block licensing, environmental permits and compliance with South African legislation (MPRDA, UPRDA, PAJA, PAIA, POPI, OHS Act, CPA, NEMA, Companies Act, King Report).
• Review, negotiate and draft contracts, maintain a contract register and oversee due‑diligence processes.
• Coordinate with affiliate lawyers on civil actions and manage legal sub‑committees (OPASA, NAMPOA).
• Monitor legislative changes, draft submissions on new regulations and ensure corporate compliance.
• Manage the legal budget, support internal governance committees and deliver training on contracts, legislation and liability.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies in collaboration with TotalEnergies Global Procurement, oversee supplier relationships and ensure accurate processing of requisitions and invoices.
• Administer ethics, anti‑corruption and sanctions programmes, maintain gifts and conflicts‑of‑interest registers, conduct fraud risk mapping and report compliance to headquarters.

Required profile

• Law degree (LL.B. or equivalent) with a strong academic record.
• Experience in oil and gas legal affairs, joint‑venture contracts and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior management and manage complex legal projects.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting and analytical skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of South African legal framework is essential.

Required skills