AI Ethics and Governance Lead

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Hybrid work model

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an AI Ethics and Governance Lead to shape responsible AI within a major financial services client in Pretoria. The role combines strategic work-from-home with essential in-office collaboration, guiding policies, frameworks and processes for ethical AI deployment.

The successful candidate will design governance structures, assess ethical risks, train staff, and engage regulators while collaborating with legal, risk and data science teams.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field with AI ethics governance focus.
• Experience developing ethical frameworks and governance structures for AI/ML or technology contexts.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies and ethical implications including bias, fairness, privacy.
• Knowledge of legal/regulatory landscapes for AI and data privacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI ethics policies, guidelines and governance frameworks.
• Assess AI systems for ethical risks including bias, fairness, transparency and accountability.
• Establish processes for AI impact assessments and ongoing monitoring.
• Advise product and engineering teams on ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, risk management and data science teams to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and company values.
• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics for employees.
• Stay informed about global trends, regulations, and best practices in AI ethics and governance.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators and industry bodies, on AI ethics matters.
• Manage and oversee the AI ethics review board or committee.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in a relevant field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution, is establishing a dedicated AI Ethics and Governance function to ensure responsible innovation and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. We are seeking an experienced AI Ethics and Governance Lead to join our team in Pretoria. This role will operate on a hybrid model, blending strategic work from home with essential in-office collaboration. You will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, frameworks, and processes to guide the ethical development and use of AI across the organization, mitigating risks and fostering public trust. This is a critical role in shaping the future of AI responsibly.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks.


• Assess AI systems for ethical risks, bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability.


• Establish processes for ethical AI impact assessments and ongoing monitoring.


• Advise product development and engineering teams on ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.


• Collaborate with legal, compliance, risk management, and data science teams to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and company values.


• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics and responsible AI practices for employees.


• Stay informed about global trends, regulations, and best practices in AI ethics and governance.


• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators and industry bodies, on AI ethics matters.


• Manage and oversee the AI ethics review board or committee.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as Law, Ethics, Philosophy, Public Policy, Computer Science, or Data Science, with a specialization in AI ethics or governance.


• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing ethical frameworks, policies, or governance structures, preferably within AI/ML or technology contexts.


• Deep understanding of AI technologies, machine learning concepts, and their potential ethical implications (e.g., bias, fairness, privacy, explainability).


• Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory landscapes pertaining to AI and data privacy.


• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive change.


• Experience working in a hybrid or complex corporate environment.


• Knowledge of risk management frameworks is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a dynamic work environment in Pretoria.


• This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring opportunities for impactful collaboration.


• We invest in our employees' development through continuous learning opportunities and exposure to challenging, high-impact work.


• Join a team dedicated to ensuring that technological advancements are aligned with ethical principles and societal well-being.