Lead AI Ethics Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual leave

Professional growth

Pension plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead AI Ethics Specialist to establish and lead the ethics division in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will shape the ethical framework guiding the development and deployment of AI technologies, and conduct impact assessments to ensure compliance with emerging AI regulations.

You will collaborate with AI researchers, engineers, product managers, and legal teams to embed ethical considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle, building trust with users and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in AI ethics or related field.
• Experience in AI ethics, responsible AI, or technology ethics.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts and societal impact.
• Familiarity with bias detection and mitigation techniques.
• Experience in policy development and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI ethics principles, guidelines, and policies.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and bias audits across lifecycles.
• Advise teams on fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy.
• Monitor evolving AI regulations and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to mitigate risks.
• Develop training materials on AI ethics for internal stakeholders.
• Engage with policymakers and academia on AI ethics issues.
• Lead initiatives to foster an ethical AI culture within the company.

Skills

AI ethics

Policy development

Regulatory compliance

Bias detection

AI governance

Data privacy

Education

Master's or PhD in Philosophy/Ethics/Law/CS (AI ethics focus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing responsible and ethical artificial intelligence solutions and is seeking a highly motivated Lead AI Ethics Specialist to establish and lead their ethics division in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This critical role will shape the ethical framework guiding the development and deployment of AI technologies. You will be responsible for developing policies, conducting impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with emerging AI regulations. This position demands a unique blend of technical understanding, ethical reasoning, and strategic thinking. You will work closely with AI researchers, engineers, product managers, and legal teams to embed ethical considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle. Your expertise will be vital in building trust with users and stakeholders, ensuring our client's AI systems are fair, transparent, and beneficial to society.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics principles, guidelines, and policies for the organization.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and bias audits for AI models and systems throughout their lifecycle.
• Advise development teams on best practices for fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy in AI.
• Monitor evolving AI regulations and standards globally and ensure organizational compliance.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address ethical concerns and mitigate risks.
• Develop training programs and educational materials on AI ethics for internal stakeholders.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers and academic institutions, on AI ethics issues.
• Lead initiatives to foster a culture of ethical AI development within the company.
• Investigate and resolve ethical dilemmas related to AI deployment and usage.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Philosophy, Ethics, Law, Computer Science with an AI/Ethics focus, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in AI ethics, responsible AI, or technology ethics.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and their societal implications.
• Familiarity with ethical frameworks, bias detection and mitigation techniques, and AI governance.
• Experience in policy development, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in conducting ethical reviews or impact assessments.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) and their application to AI is highly desirable.

Benefits

• A competitive remuneration package, including performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including conference attendance and specialized training.
• Be a key influencer in shaping the future of ethical AI at a pioneering company.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment located in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**.
• Pension fund contribution and other retirement benefits.