Mission
The Senior Manager - AI Legal and Regulatory will be responsible to ensure that the organization’s AI initiatives comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. The role will provide strategic counsel on legal implications related to AI technologies, ensuring that the AI-driven innovations are developed and deployed within the boundaries of local and international laws.
The role will work closely with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, engineers, and business leaders to assess legal risks associated with AI projects, advise on compliance strategies, and contribute to the development of AI-related policies and best practices
The Senior Manager will adopt a proactive approach to legal risk management, positioning the organization as a leader in responsible AI development. They will stay ahead of emerging AI regulations, offering timely guidance to ensure the company remains compliant with evolving legal frameworks
Values
We at MTN are a purpose and value-led organization. At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.
Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.
As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us.
Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.
Live Y'ello
- Lead with Crae
- Can-do with Integrity
- Collaborate with Agility
- Serve with Respect
- Act with Inclusion
The Senior Manager – AI Legal and Regulatory will be responsible for the following
- Develop and implement comprehensive legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of AI, ensuring compliance with data protection, IP rights, and AI-specific regulations
- Provide legal counsel on AI-related matters, including the interpretation and application of AI regulations, data protection laws, and intellectual property rights while advising on emerging legal risks and opportunities to align the organization’s AI initiatives with both local and international regulations
- Develop standardized contract templates utilizing AI –powered legal and commercial tools (eg: luminance) for efficiency and consistency
- Review and negotiate on contracts, agreements, and partnerships related to AI technologies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting the company’s intellectual property and business interests
- Establish AI- related legal clauses to be included in new contracts, covering compliance, intellectual property, liability, and ethical considerations. Review existing contracts to identify necessary updates as AI becomes a core component of the services
- Collaborate with AI programme governance & reporting team to assist in the development of AI governance structures, advising on compliance and risk management protocols for AI initiatives
- Work closely with technical teams to assess the legal implications of AI models, focusing on key areas like data usage, bias, privacy, and transparency, guiding the alignment of AI systems with legal and ethical standards throughout their development and deployment
- Partner with AI ethics and compliance team to lead the organization’s compliance efforts with international and local data protection regulations in the context of AI
- Monitor emerging AI regulations & industry trends, both locally and globally, to keep the company ahead of changes in the legal landscape
- Act as the point of contact for regulatory bodies on AI-related matters, representing MTN in discussions about AI laws and policies and advocating for favorable AI policies and regulations
- Conduct regular audits and assessments of AI systems identifying and mitigating legal risks related to privacy, bias, intellectual property, and data usage to ensure ongoing compliance with legal standards
- Advise on intellectual property (IP) matters related to AI, determining data ownership, and negotiating licensing arrangements to ensure organization’s innovations are properly protected and align with legal standards and business objectives
- Provide training and resources to internal teams on AI legal compliance ensuring that all relevant stakeholders understand the legal implications of AI deployments
- Act as trusted advisor and provide legal support in the event of any legal disputes or claims related to AI technologies and advise on potential settlements or actions
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law
- Qualification in Computer Science, Data Science or a related field preferred
- Certification in AI and Technology Legal and regulatory frameworks, Intellectual Property, Data,(preferred)
- Admitted with a legal professional body – preferably in South Africa (attorney, advocate or solicitor)
Experience:
- 8+ years of post admission experience in legal, with a deep understanding of AI related regulatory frameworks, data privacy, and regulatory compliance
- Proven track record of advising on complex legal matters in the context of AI, data protection, and IP
- Familiarity with international regulations and regional data protection laws
- Prior experience in regulatory advocacy or working with government and industry bodies is an advantage
- Experience of working in a complex, regulated environment such as telecommunications, finance, or technology
Skills:
- Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents, regulations, and emerging trends
- Expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating AI-related contracts, partnerships, and legal agreements
- Hands-on experience in addressing legal challenges and finding solutions that balance compliance with business needs
- Foster collaboration with diverse teams and act as a trusted advisor on legal matters