Lead AI Ethics Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Bonuses

PTO

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Lead AI Ethics Specialist to guide responsible AI development and deployment, shaping ethical frameworks and governance across the organization.

You will collaborate with AI researchers, engineers, legal counsel, and policy makers to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems, and you will translate complex ethics into practical guidance for technical teams.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and 7+ years in AI ethics or responsible innovation.
• Strong understanding of ethical theories and AI societal implications.
• Experience translating ethics into practical guidance for technical teams.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee AI ethics strategy, policies, and guidelines.
• Assess ethical risks in AI projects and mitigate.
• Collaborate with AI teams to embed ethics across lifecycle.
• Advise on bias, transparency, privacy, and accountability.
• Lead training programs on AI ethics.

Skills

AI ethics

Policy development

Stakeholder communication

Ethical risk assessment

Leadership

Education

Advanced degree in Ethics/Philosophy/Law/Public Policy/CS with ethics focus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent technology innovator, is seeking a distinguished Lead AI Ethics Specialist to guide the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems. This senior role, based in Sandton, Gauteng , will be instrumental in establishing and upholding ethical frameworks, policies, and best practices for AI across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of AI technologies, ethical principles, philosophy, law, and policy, coupled with the ability to translate complex concepts into practical guidance for technical teams. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including AI researchers, engineers, legal counsel, and policy makers, to ensure AI is developed and used in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. This is a unique opportunity to shape the ethical landscape of AI in a leading technology company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee the organization's AI ethics strategy, policies, and guidelines.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI projects and provide recommendations for mitigation.
• Collaborate with AI development teams to embed ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle, from design to deployment and monitoring.
• Advise on issues related to bias, fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and safety in AI systems.
• Develop training programs and resources to educate employees on AI ethics principles and best practices.
• Stay abreast of evolving AI ethics research, regulatory landscapes, and societal concerns globally.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and industry groups, on AI ethics matters.
• Lead internal working groups and initiatives focused on advancing responsible AI.
• Contribute to the development of ethical AI tools and frameworks.
• Communicate complex ethical considerations and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.

Requirements

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Public Policy, Computer Science (with an ethics focus), or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience focused on AI ethics, technology ethics, or responsible innovation. Demonstrated expertise in AI technologies and their societal implications. Strong understanding of ethical theories, frameworks, and methodologies relevant to AI. Experience in developing and implementing ethical guidelines or policies in a corporate or research setting. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex ethical debates. Experience working with technical teams and influencing decision-making processes. Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI and data is a plus. Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives. This position requires working on-site in Sandton, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance. A generous retirement savings plan and potential for bonuses are provided. Employees receive substantial paid time off and are encouraged to pursue professional development through conferences, workshops, and further education. The company provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for significant impact and career advancement. Join a leading organization committed to building trustworthy and beneficial AI technologies.