Lead AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Certifications Funding

Conference funding

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist to spearhead ethical AI development and deployment, establishing robust frameworks and guidelines for fair, transparent AI practices.

You will collaborate with research, engineering, legal and policy teams to embed ethical considerations across the AI lifecycle, conduct risk assessments, advise on best practices, and monitor regulatory trends.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in ethics, philosophy, law, CS or related AI field.
• 7+ years in AI ethics, governance, or related field.
• Deep knowledge of AI tech, ML, and societal impact.
• Experience building ethical frameworks and governance structures.
• Strong understanding of global AI regulations and standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI ethics policies and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for new AI initiatives.
• Advise product and engineering teams on ethical AI practices.
• Monitor AI regulatory trends and advise on compliance strategies.
• Lead stakeholder engagement on AI ethics and training programs.

Skills

AI ethics

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Education

Advanced degree in Ethics/Philosophy/Law/CS

Tools

Regulatory frameworks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in AI innovation, is looking for a distinguished Lead AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist to spearhead ethical AI development and deployment from their Cape Town office. In an era where responsible AI is paramount, this role is critical in establishing robust frameworks and guidelines. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that our client's AI technologies are developed and utilized in a manner that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to society. This is a unique opportunity to shape policy, influence strategic decisions, and build a culture of ethical AI practices within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The successful candidate will work closely with research, engineering, legal, and policy teams to embed ethical considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics policies, principles, and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for new AI initiatives and products.
• Advise product and engineering teams on ethical considerations and best practices in AI development.
• Monitor regulatory and societal trends in AI ethics and advise on compliance strategies.
• Lead stakeholder engagement on AI ethics, both internally and externally.
• Develop training programs and resources to foster AI ethical awareness across the organization.
• Investigate and resolve ethical concerns related to AI systems.
• Contribute to public discourse and policy development on AI ethics.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong focus on AI ethics.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI ethics, technology governance, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of AI technologies, machine learning concepts, and their societal implications.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing ethical frameworks and governance structures.
• Excellent understanding of AI regulations, standards, and best practices globally.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in facilitating workshops and delivering training on complex topics.
• Familiarity with data privacy principles (e.g., GDPR) is essential.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive bonus structure. Our client provides comprehensive medical and retirement benefits. Employees will enjoy substantial paid time off and opportunities for professional development, including funding for relevant certifications and conferences. As this is a fully remote position, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, maintaining a strong work-life balance. Access to cutting-edge research and tools will support your work. Be part of a pioneering team that is setting the standard for responsible AI globally. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.