Lead AI Ethics & Governance Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & dental

Retirement planning

Generous leave

Learning opportunities

Conferences/workshops

Inclusive culture

High impact role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead AI Ethics & Governance Specialist to shape and implement our ethical AI framework from our George, Western Cape office. You will champion responsible AI across the organization and align development with societal values and regulatory expectations.

You will develop policies, conduct risk assessments, train staff, and collaborate with product, legal, and compliance teams to embed ethics into the AI lifecycle, monitor global standards, and advise leadership on

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD with focus on AI ethics.
• ≥5 years in ethics, policy or governance; ≥2 years in AI ethics.
• Strong understanding of ML and AI ethics.
• Knowledge of GDPR, AI Act proposals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain AI ethics policies and guidelines.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI projects.
• Collaborate with development, product, legal, and compliance teams.
• Provide training on AI ethics and responsible innovation.
• Monitor regulatory landscapes and industry standards globally.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops on AI ethics.
• Advise leadership on strategic AI ethics decisions.
• Develop accountability and transparency frameworks for AI systems.

Skills

AI ethics

Policy development

Governance

Risk assessment

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder influence

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Ethics/Related field

Job description

h3>About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of AI innovation and is establishing a dedicated AI Ethics and Governance function. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead AI Ethics & Governance Specialist to shape and implement our ethical AI framework. This pivotal role will ensure that our AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, aligning with societal values and regulatory expectations. You will play a crucial part in building trust with our users and stakeholders by championing ethical AI practices across the organization. This position is located in our vibrant office in George, Western Cape , a region known for its growing technological landscape. Join us in setting the standard for responsible AI development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive AI ethics policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for new and existing AI projects, identifying potential biases, fairness issues, and societal impacts.
• Collaborate closely with AI development teams, product managers, legal counsel, and compliance officers to integrate ethical considerations into the AI lifecycle.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on AI ethics and responsible innovation.
• Monitor evolving regulatory landscapes and industry standards related to AI ethics and governance globally.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops on AI ethics topics within the organization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on AI ethics, advising leadership on strategic decisions.
• Develop frameworks for accountability and transparency in AI systems.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field such as Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Computer Science, Social Sciences, or a related discipline with a strong focus on AI ethics.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ethics, policy development, or governance, with at least 2 years specifically focused on AI ethics.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, machine learning principles, and their ethical implications.
• Familiarity with ethical frameworks, fairness metrics, bias detection, and explainability techniques in AI.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, AI Act proposals).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, retirement planning assistance, and generous leave policies.
• You will have access to continuous learning opportunities, including conferences and workshops, and the chance to shape the ethical future of AI.
• The company fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, encouraging work-life balance.
• This role offers significant visibility and impact within a forward-thinking organization.