AI Ethics and Compliance Officer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Retirement planning

Professional development

Access to cutting-edge AI tools

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an AI Ethics and Compliance Officer to establish and enforce ethical standards for AI development and deployment in a hybrid work environment.

You will collaborate with legal, engineering and research teams to integrate ethics across the AI lifecycle, advise on POPIA/GDPR and emerging AI regulations, and lead training and audits to mitigate risks and build trust with customers and partners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Law, Ethics, Public Policy, Computer Science, or related field with a strong focus on technology.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or ethics, preferably within the technology sector.
• Solid understanding of AI/ML principles and their societal and ethical implications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, upcoming AI regulations).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating adaptability and collaboration.
• Ability to interpret complex legal and ethical frameworks and translate them into practical guidance.
• Previous experience with AI ethics frameworks or tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive AI ethics policies and compliance procedures.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments of AI systems and processes to identify ethical and compliance gaps.
• Advise on legal and regulatory requirements related to AI, including data privacy, bias mitigation, and explainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure ethical considerations are integrated into the AI development lifecycle.
• Monitor industry best practices and emerging trends in AI ethics and governance.
• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics and compliance to employees at all levels.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on AI ethics and compliance matters.
• Investigate and resolve any ethical concerns or non-compliance issues related to AI applications.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent innovator in the AI & Emerging Technologies field, is seeking a dedicated AI Ethics and Compliance Officer to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA . This hybrid role blends the benefits of remote work with the value of in-office collaboration, fostering a productive and engaging work environment. You will be instrumental in establishing and enforcing ethical standards and compliance frameworks for the development and deployment of AI technologies. This position requires a nuanced understanding of ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and the practical application of AI. The goal is to ensure our client's AI initiatives are responsible, fair, transparent, and aligned with societal values. You will work closely with legal, engineering, and research teams to embed ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle. We are looking for a proactive individual who can anticipate challenges and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with AI. Your role will be crucial in building trust with customers, partners, and the public regarding our client's AI practices. This is a vital position for upholding our client's commitment to responsible AI innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive AI ethics policies and compliance procedures.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments of AI systems and processes to identify ethical and compliance gaps.
• Advise on legal and regulatory requirements related to AI, including data privacy, bias mitigation, and explainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure ethical considerations are integrated into the AI development lifecycle.
• Monitor industry best practices and emerging trends in AI ethics and governance.
• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics and compliance to employees at all levels.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on AI ethics and compliance matters.
• Investigate and resolve any ethical concerns or non-compliance issues related to AI applications.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Law, Ethics, Public Policy, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong focus on technology.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or ethics, preferably within the technology sector.
• Solid understanding of AI/ML principles and their societal and ethical implications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, upcoming AI regulations).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating adaptability and collaboration.
• Ability to interpret complex legal and ethical frameworks and translate them into practical guidance.
• Previous experience with AI ethics frameworks or tools is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement planning assistance.
• This hybrid position provides the flexibility to work remotely while fostering team cohesion through regular in-office collaboration days in Stellenbosch.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at relevant workshops and conferences, are provided.
• Employees have access to cutting-edge AI tools and resources.
• The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• We offer a supportive work environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes work-life balance.
• A stipend for home office setup may be available.
• This role is critical for ensuring our client maintains its reputation for ethical AI leadership.