Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA seeks a Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist to guide responsible AI development and deployment across the organization. The role is hybrid, allowing remote work while collaborating closely with legal, compliance, engineering, and product teams.

You will establish ethics frameworks and policies, assess risks, and train stakeholders to ensure explainable, fair, and accountable AI systems in line with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Ethics, Law, Public Policy, Computer Science, Philosophy, or related field with a focus on AI ethics.
• Minimum of 6 years in AI ethics, governance, compliance, or related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or specialist role.
• Deep understanding of ethical principles in AI: fairness, bias, transparency, accountability, privacy.
• Knowledge of current and emerging AI regulations and legal frameworks.
• Experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks and policies.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; able to influence stakeholders.
• Experience in Hybrid work environments is essential.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their societal impacts.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI ethics policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI projects and recommend mitigations.
• Advise teams on building explainable, fair, and unbiased AI systems.
• Monitor AI systems for ethical compliance and address issues proactively.
• Stay updated on AI regulations and standards globally and in SA.
• Develop and deliver training on AI ethics to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, engineering, and product teams to integrate ethics into the AI lifecycle.
• Lead discussions on AI accountability and transparency.
• Engage with regulators and industry bodies on AI ethics matters.
• Contribute to thought leadership on responsible AI.
• Manage audits and reviews related to AI governance.

Skills

AI ethics

Governance

Leadership

Communication

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's or PhD focused on AI ethics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology innovator based in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA , is seeking a highly skilled Lead AI Ethics and Governance Specialist. This critical role will guide the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies across the organization. You will establish frameworks, policies, and best practices to ensure AI systems are fair, transparent, accountable, and aligned with ethical principles and regulatory requirements. This is a Hybrid role, fostering collaboration while allowing for remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI projects and provide recommendations for mitigation.
• Advise development teams on building AI systems that are explainable, fair, and unbiased.
• Monitor AI systems for ethical compliance and address potential issues proactively.
• Stay informed about evolving AI regulations, ethical standards, and industry best practices globally and within South Africa.
• Develop and deliver training programs on AI ethics and responsible AI practices to various stakeholders.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, engineering, and product teams to integrate ethical considerations into the AI lifecycle.
• Lead discussions and initiatives related to AI accountability and transparency.
• Engage with external stakeholders, regulators, and industry bodies on AI ethics matters.
• Contribute to the company's thought leadership on responsible AI.
• Manage audits and reviews related to AI governance and ethical compliance.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Ethics, Law, Public Policy, Computer Science, Philosophy, or a related field with a focus on AI ethics.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in AI ethics, governance, compliance, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or specialist role.
• Deep understanding of ethical principles in AI, including fairness, bias, transparency, accountability, and privacy.
• Knowledge of current and emerging AI regulations and legal frameworks.
• Experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks and policies.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a Hybrid work environment is essential.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their potential societal impacts.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement planning, and generous paid leave.
• The Hybrid work model provides flexibility and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• You will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences focused on AI ethics and governance.

This role in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA offers a unique opportunity to shape the ethical landscape of AI development within a dynamic organization.