Principal AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape seeks a Principal AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist to lead ethical frameworks across the AI lifecycle. You will collaborate with researchers, legal teams, and business leaders to embed responsible AI practices.

The role requires advanced expertise in AI ethics, policy, and governance, with a focus on global standards and privacy implications to maintain public trust and guide responsible innovation.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Public Policy or related field with tech/AI focus.
• 7+ years of experience in AI ethics, technology policy or related area.
• Experience with ethical frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and governance models.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and societal implications.
• Excellent analytics, communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience in developing policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with international AI regulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics policies, principles, and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for new AI projects and products.
• Provide expert guidance and training on AI ethics and responsible AI practices to technical and non-technical teams.
• Monitor evolving AI regulations and ethical standards globally and ensure organizational compliance.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance departments to address emerging ethical and regulatory challenges.
• Facilitate ethical review boards and discussions for AI development projects.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and civil society, on AI ethics issues.
• Advise on data privacy and security implications within AI systems.

Skills

AI ethics

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Governance models

Regulatory awareness

Education

Advanced degree in Ethics/Philosophy/Law/Public Policy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in responsible AI development, is seeking a distinguished Principal AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist for their office in George, Western Cape . This pivotal role will be responsible for establishing and overseeing ethical frameworks, guidelines, and governance structures for the design, development, and deployment of AI technologies across the organization. You will champion responsible AI practices, ensuring that our client's innovations align with societal values, regulatory requirements, and ethical best practices. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of AI governance in a forward-thinking company. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of AI technologies, ethical theories, and policy-making. You will work closely with AI researchers, engineers, legal teams, and business leaders to embed ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle. This position is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring the sustainable growth of our client's AI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive AI ethics policies, principles, and governance frameworks.


• Conduct ethical risk assessments and impact analyses for new AI projects and products.


• Provide expert guidance and training on AI ethics and responsible AI practices to technical and non-technical teams.


• Monitor evolving AI regulations and ethical standards globally and ensure organizational compliance.


• Collaborate with legal and compliance departments to address emerging ethical and regulatory challenges.


• Facilitate ethical review boards and discussions for AI development projects.


• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and civil society, on AI ethics issues.


• Advise on data privacy and security implications within AI systems.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Public Policy, or a related field with a strong focus on technology or AI.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI ethics, technology policy, responsible innovation, or a related area.


• Demonstrated expertise in ethical frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and AI governance models.


• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning concepts, and their societal implications.


• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience in developing and implementing organizational policies and procedures.


• Ability to translate complex ethical and technical concepts into actionable guidance.


• Familiarity with international AI regulations and standards is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, extensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous retirement contributions.


• We offer a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional growth, conference attendance, and engagement with leading experts in the field.


• Employees benefit from a strong commitment to work-life balance and professional development programs.


• This role, based in George, Western Cape , offers the chance to make a significant impact on the ethical development of artificial intelligence.