Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Competitive compensation

Flexible hours

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist to establish and lead its AI ethics framework. This fully remote position is crucial for ensuring responsible AI development and deployment in a global organization.

You will shape policies, perform risk analyses, and advise across design, deployment and monitoring while tracking evolving global regulations. Strong leadership and remote collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Ethics, Law, CS, Public Policy or related discipline with focus on AI ethics.
• 7+ years in AI governance, ethics, policy development, or risk management with AI focus.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies and societal implications.
• Experience developing ethical frameworks and governance structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain AI ethics policies and guidelines.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI systems and products.
• Advise development teams on ethics across AI lifecycle.
• Monitor global AI regulations and ensure compliance.
• Establish transparency, accountability, and redress mechanisms.
• Deliver training on AI ethics to employees.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and policy teams.

Skills

AI governance

Risk management

Policy development

Regulatory landscape

Stakeholder influence

Leadership

Communication

Ethics

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Ethics or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist to establish and lead their AI ethics framework. This **fully remote** position is crucial for ensuring that our client's AI development and deployment practices are responsible, fair, and aligned with ethical principles and regulatory requirements. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the ethical landscape of AI within the organization, working closely with research, engineering, legal, and policy teams. This role demands a deep understanding of AI technologies, ethical considerations, and governance structures. As a **remote-first** role, you will collaborate effectively with colleagues across different time zones, leveraging digital collaboration tools to maintain strong team cohesion and project momentum. The opportunity is ideal for an individual passionate about responsible AI and looking to make a significant impact in a global organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive AI ethics policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for new and existing AI systems and products.
• Advise development teams on ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle, from design to deployment and monitoring.
• Monitor evolving AI regulations and standards globally and ensure organizational compliance.
• Establish mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and redress in AI systems.
• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics and responsible AI practices to employees.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and public policy teams to address ethical and regulatory challenges.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops on AI ethics within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Lead the AI Ethics Review Board or equivalent governance body.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Ethics, Law, Computer Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline with a focus on AI ethics.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI governance, ethics, policy development, or risk management, with a significant focus on AI.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, machine learning principles, and their societal implications.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing ethical frameworks and governance structures.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory landscapes related to AI (e.g., GDPR, AI Act).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a **remote** or distributed team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and drive change in complex organizations.

Benefits

• Be a foundational member of a new, critical AI ethics function.
• Competitive remuneration package and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to shape the ethical future of AI in a leading technology company.
• Flexible working hours and a supportive **remote** work culture.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development resources.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous vacation and personal leave allowance.
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance.