Legal Counsel/senior Legal Counsel

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us?
You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The opportunity (1 permanent and 1 temporary position)

The IESO is seeking lawyers to join its legal team. The successful applicants will have a minimum of four years post-call experience, preferably working on complex matters in leading law firms or fast paced in-house environments. The position will depend on successful applicant experience.

Accountabilities

As a member of the Legal Department, Counsel will work collaboratively, advising on multi-disciplinary legal projects, providing strategic legal advice on a range of complex legal, regulatory, policy and business issues, ensuring that advice is linked to the organization’s strategic objectives, and acting as an integral part of internal and external project teams. Counsel will provide high-quality solution-oriented legal advice and guidance on a range of matters supporting IESO’s strategy and mandate, including:

• Management of electricity generation contracts
• Acquisition of new electricity system resources (including from electricity storage facilities) and management of energy contracts
• Implementation of electricity conservation and demand management programs, and innovation and grid modernization initiatives, including through IESO’s grid innovation and hydrogen innovation funds
• Electricity market operations including interpretation, administration and development of the IESO’s Market Rules and related matters
• Interpretation and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Transmission system planning
• Disputes that may arise under or in relation to Market Rules or energy procurement contracts, and
• General operations of the IESO, including matters relating to procurements of goods and services (including IT-related acquisitions), cybersecurity, non-disclosure agreements, freedom of information access requests, privacy law, records management, and related legal research

Who you are

• A member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• We are looking for a minimum of 4 years post call experience in corporate commercial or transactional law gained either in a leading law firm or in-house law department setting. Applicants with more than 8 years post call experience may be considered for a Senior Counsel role.
• Experience in any of the following specific areas is an asset:
  • Electricity or energy law
  • Infrastructure or construction law
  • Banking and finance law
  • Procurement law
  • Administrative law
  • Privacy law
  • Regulatory law

Competencies

• Ability and commitment to align with IESO’s core values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a busy team environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to analyze complex issues and recommend practical solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills
• Deadline-oriented
• A strong personal commitment to client needs
• Organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the IESO’s public mandate and corporate objectives
• Ability to influence peers and others in the organization
• Strong problem-solving skills

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry
  

Deadline: Until filled
For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.
The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

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Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

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