Senior Associate - Projects, Energy and Infrastructure

About the role

Bowmans' Projects, Energy and Infrastructure team in Nairobi advises sponsors, lenders and development finance institutions on the development, financing, acquisition and disposal of energy and infrastructure assets across East, Central and Southern Africa. The Senior Associate runs transactions day to day under partner supervision, manages the deal team, acts as the client's day-to-day contact and supervises and develops junior and mid-level associates.

Key responsibilities

• Manage transactions from scoping and structuring through drafting, negotiation and closing, including the timetable, conditions precedent and other counsel, with partner involvement on strategy and major issues.
• Lead drafting and negotiation of core project and finance documents such as power purchase agreements, concession and implementation agreements, EPC and O&M contracts, facility and common terms agreements, security and direct agreements, and shareholder and joint venture arrangements.
• Act as the day-to-day contact for sponsors and lenders, build your own client relationships and ensure the quality and timeliness of all work leaving the team.
• Supervise, review and develop junior and mid-level associates, allocating work and giving clear, timely feedback.
• Coordinate specialist input from tax, competition, real estate and regulatory teams, other offices and local counsel, and advise on the Kenyan and regional regulatory framework, including PPP legislation, licensing and government approvals.
• Contribute to the practice's growth through proposals, pitches, client relationships and thought leadership.

Required profile

• LLB and admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; lawyers admitted elsewhere in a common law jurisdiction with directly relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Around 6 to 8 years' post-qualification experience at a leading law firm, largely on energy and infrastructure project development and project finance; in-house or DFI experience also considered.
• Demonstrable track record managing transactions day to day, described deal by deal.
• Experience supervising junior lawyers and a track record of drafting and negotiating.
• Advantageous: cross-border experience and familiarity with development finance institutions and export credit agencies.

What we offer

• A steady pipeline of significant energy, transport and PPP transactions.
• A pan-African platform working with colleagues across Bowmans' offices and alliance firms.
• A clear pathway to autonomy, your own client relationships and progression.
• A competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience.

Candidates should send a cover letter, CV and a short deal sheet by 10 November 2026, quoting the job title in the subject line.