Legal Counsel

~ SunFunder is a solar finance business based in the United States and East Africa that aims to catalyze billions of financing into the off-grid solar market. We believe that solar energy will leapfrog the grid in off-grid and grid deficit areas where over two billion people live with limited access to energy. ~

SunFunder raises capital through private debt offerings that provide accredited and institutional investors an opportunity to invest in a diversified, vetted, and high impact portfolio of solar projects in emerging markets. With this capital, SunFunder provides working capital and structured loans to leading solar energy companies. Since launching in 2012, SunFunder has provided 22 companies with 60 project loans in 10 countries. 

Position Overview 

Our team is growing, and we’re now hiring a talented and experienced legal professional to join our team. Timeframe: April/May 2016.

Legal Counsel will report to the Chief Counsel and play a key role in helping SunFunder’s lending team close investments in solar companies. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that all loans are negotiated and documented properly and will work with the lending team to ensure the new legal policies and processes are implemented. 

The position will be based in Washington DC, but during the first 6 months, 50% of time will be in Arusha, Tanzania in order for the Legal Counsel to spend face to face with SunFunder's lending team. Thereafter, the position will require frequent travel (~25-30% of time) to East Africa and possible other locations.  

Responsibilities  

• Work with lending team to assist in negotiating loan agreements with new solar customers and capturing transaction specifics in deal documentation. 
• Manage work with local counsel to ensure all security and collateral is properly documented, registered and perfected.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing loan agreements, updating loan templates and making necessary revisions or amendments. 
• Develop and implement legal processes for lending team to follow.
• Draft and review various corporate and lending policies.
• Perform research and and other tasks as requested.

Qualifications & Characteristics

• J.D and 2-5 years legal experience.
• Prior knowledge/familiarity with international transactions, debt financings and security documentation preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and computer skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into terms understandable by non-legal professionals.
• Prior experience living overseas.
• Ability to work well with people from different countries and cultures (SunFunder’s staff includes over 11 nationalities).
• A good sense of humor, willingness to challenge the way we’re doing things, able to thrive and be resilient in a rapidly changing environment.
• Passionate commitment to creating social, environmental and economic impact - through innovative finance. 
• Willingness to “get your hands dirty” and perform unglamorous roles from time to time.
• Other qualities that are important to us include: independent, accomplished, organized, detail oriented, results-oriented, entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, intellectually curious, low-ego, passion.  

Compensation: Compensation will be based upon experience, but will likely be lower than what you are worth. To balance this out, we offer generous benefits, a unique work culture at an ambitious startup that strongly encourages a healthy life-work balance, and an opportunity to work with a fun, passionate and talented team.  

To Apply  

• Please use the emal address below to send your resume (include 3 references).
• In the email, please tell us why you are the right person for this position (bonus points for brevity).
• Email title: “Legal Counsel”.