Principal AI Ethicist and Governance Lead

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Career development

Health & wellness

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Ethicist and Governance Lead to establish responsible AI practices, shaping ethical frameworks and governance across the organization in Rustenburg, North West. This senior role drives ethics from research to deployment in a hybrid work model.

You will lead risk assessments, advise teams on bias, fairness, and transparency, and collaborate with legal and compliance to ensure regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, CS with AI ethics focus.
• 7+ years in AI ethics, governance or related field, preferably in tech/research.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, lifecycles.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills to influence diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive AI ethics framework and governance strategy.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for AI projects.
• Guide AI teams on bias mitigation, fairness and transparency.
• Design and oversee AI model auditing, validation and monitoring processes.
• Develop and deliver training on AI ethics principles and responsible development.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and engineering to meet regulatory standards.
• Represent the company in external forums and industry discussions on AI ethics.
• Stay informed on evolving global regulations and societal concerns in AI.

Skills

AI ethics

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Ethical auditing

Education

Advanced degree in Ethics/Policy/CS (AI ethics focus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leader in innovative AI solutions, seeking an exceptional Principal AI Ethicist and Governance Lead to establish and drive responsible AI practices across the organization. This senior role is crucial for ensuring that our AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that is fair, transparent, accountable, and beneficial to society. You will be responsible for shaping the ethical framework, developing governance policies, and embedding ethical considerations into the entire AI lifecycle, from research to deployment. This position is based in Rustenburg, North West , offering a hybrid work model that allows for a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You will play a vital role in shaping the future of ethical AI development within a forward-thinking company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive AI ethics framework and governance strategy for the organization.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for new and existing AI projects and products.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation to AI development teams on ethical considerations, bias mitigation, fairness, and transparency.
• Design and oversee processes for AI model auditing, validation, and continuous monitoring to ensure ethical compliance and performance.
• Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on AI ethics principles and responsible AI development practices.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and engineering teams to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Represent the company in external forums, industry groups, and academic discussions on AI ethics and governance.
• Stay informed about evolving global regulations, ethical standards, and societal concerns related to artificial intelligence.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Computer Science with an AI ethics focus, or Public Policy.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in AI ethics, responsible AI, AI governance, or a closely related field, preferably within a technology or research-intensive environment.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and development lifecycles.
• Proven ability to develop and implement complex ethical frameworks and governance policies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the capacity to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Experience with AI auditing, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated passion for ethical technology and a commitment to advancing responsible AI development.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential equity.
• We are invested in your professional development, providing opportunities for continuous learning, attendance at leading conferences, and access to specialized training.
• Employees enjoy a comprehensive health and wellness program, generous paid time off, and a supportive work environment in Rustenburg, North West .
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, promoting a healthy work-life balance while fostering collaborative innovation within our cutting-edge facilities.