Principal AI Ethics Consultant for Technology Firms

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 369,000 - 775,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive day rate

Exposure to leading tech clients

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Ethics Consultant to lead AI ethics engagements for technology clients. You will guide governance frameworks, ethics risk assessments, and strategic advice to executive and technical teams, in a hybrid client-facing role in Midrand, Gauteng.

Requirements include a PhD or Master's in AI ethics or related field and 10+ years in AI ethics or technology policy, with strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in AI ethics or related field focusing on societal tech impact.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in AI ethics, responsible AI or tech policy, with consulting/advisory experience.
• Expertise in fairness, accountability, transparency, safety, and privacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagements to develop AI ethics strategies and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments of AI systems, addressing biases, privacy, and societal impacts.
• Advise on responsible AI development, deployment and monitoring.
• Develop ethical AI guidelines, policies and training materials for clients.
• Stay updated on evolving AI ethics research, regulations and standards globally.

Skills

AI ethics

Stakeholder management

Communication

Presentation

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

PhD or Master in AI ethics/related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consultancy firm advising technology companies on responsible innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Principal AI Ethics Consultant. This role is critical in guiding organizations as they develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems ethically and responsibly. You will be instrumental in shaping AI governance frameworks, conducting ethical risk assessments, and providing strategic advice to C-suite executives and technical teams. This hybrid position requires regular on-site engagement with clients in the Midrand, Gauteng area, complemented by remote work for research, analysis, and report generation. If you possess deep expertise in AI ethics, a strong understanding of regulatory landscapes, and a passion for fostering trustworthy AI, this is a premier opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engagements with technology clients to develop and implement robust AI ethics strategies and governance frameworks.
• Conduct comprehensive ethical risk assessments of AI systems, identifying potential biases, fairness issues, privacy concerns, and societal impacts.
• Advise clients on best practices for responsible AI development, deployment, and monitoring.
• Develop ethical AI guidelines, policies, and training materials tailored to client needs.
• Stay at the forefront of evolving AI ethics research, regulatory developments, and industry standards globally.
• Collaborate with cross-functional client teams, including data scientists, engineers, legal counsel, and product managers.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations and reports to executive leadership and technical teams.
• Contribute to thought leadership in the field of AI ethics through publications and speaking engagements.
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to the firm's expertise in AI ethics.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant field such as AI Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Computer Science (with an AI/ML focus), or a related discipline focusing on the societal implications of technology.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in AI ethics, responsible AI, or technology policy, with a significant portion focused on consulting or advisory roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI ethics principles, frameworks, and methodologies (e.g., fairness, accountability, transparency, safety, privacy).
• Deep understanding of the technical aspects of AI and machine learning, as well as the associated ethical challenges.
• Experience conducting ethical risk assessments and developing governance structures for AI systems.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
• Experience working with diverse clients across different industries, particularly technology.
• Familiarity with global AI regulations and policy trends.
• Ability to travel to client sites and work effectively in a hybrid model based out of Midrand, Gauteng

Benefits

This contractor role offers a highly competitive day rate or project-based compensation, commensurate with extensive experience and expertise. You will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects with leading technology companies, shaping the future of responsible AI. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring essential client-facing engagement. Join a prestigious firm recognized for its expertise in ethical technology and contribute to building a more trustworthy technological future from the Midrand, Gauteng region.