Senior AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Remote-first environment

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist for a fully remote role, open to top talent worldwide. You will shape ethical frameworks, governance policies, and ensure responsible AI across projects.

In this senior position, you’ll advise R&D and product teams, lead training on ethical AI, monitor regulatory updates, and collaborate with legal and policy teams to maintain compliance. Strong strategic influence and independent work in a remote, international setting are key.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Ethics, Philosophy, Computer Science, Law, or related technology ethics.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in AI ethics, technology governance, or related field with proven ethical framework development.
• Deep understanding of AI concepts, bias, fairness, transparency, accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain AI ethics guidelines and governance frameworks.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for AI projects.
• Advise R&D, product, and engineering teams on ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Design and deliver training programs on ethical AI awareness.
• Monitor evolving AI regulations and adapt policies accordingly.
• Collaborate with legal, policy, and compliance teams to ensure standards.

Skills

AI ethics expertise

Governance & policy

Regulatory knowledge

Remote collaboration

Education

Masters/PhD in Ethics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the AI and emerging technologies sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior AI Ethicist & Governance Specialist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, allowing top talent from anywhere to contribute to groundbreaking projects. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the ethical frameworks and governance policies that guide the development and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence systems. This role is crucial for ensuring our client maintains its position at the forefront of responsible AI innovation, fostering trust and accountability in all its AI initiatives. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the societal impact of AI and dedicated to building a future where technology serves humanity ethically and equitably. The role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making at a high level within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a tangible difference in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive AI ethics guidelines and governance frameworks in alignment with global best practices and regulatory landscapes.
• Conduct thorough ethical risk assessments for new and existing AI projects, identifying potential biases, fairness issues, and societal impacts.
• Provide expert advice and consultation to R&D, product, and engineering teams on ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Design and deliver training programs to foster a culture of ethical AI awareness and responsibility across the organization.
• Monitor and analyze evolving AI ethics regulations and stakeholder concerns, proactively adapting policies and strategies.
• Collaborate with legal, policy, and compliance teams to ensure AI systems meet all relevant legal and ethical standards.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and industry peers, to contribute to the broader discourse on AI ethics.
• Champion ethical AI principles internally and externally, acting as a thought leader and advocate for responsible technology.
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing ethical review and post-deployment monitoring of AI systems.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Ethics, Philosophy, Computer Science, Law, or a related discipline with a strong focus on technology ethics.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in AI ethics, technology governance, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of developing and implementing ethical frameworks.
• Deep understanding of AI concepts, machine learning principles, and their associated ethical challenges (e.g., bias, fairness, transparency, accountability).
• Familiarity with relevant national and international AI regulations, standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate complex ethical dilemmas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex ethical concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, international setting.
• Experience in designing and facilitating training sessions or workshops.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including mental health support.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and specialized training.
• Access to cutting-edge AI research and development tools.
• Flexible working hours to support a healthy work-life balance in a remote-first environment.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects at the forefront of AI innovation.
• Reimbursement for home office setup and co-working space expenses.