Senior Manager - Artificial Intelligence Legal and Regulatory at MTN

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field 
• Certification in AI and Technology Legal and regulatory frameworks, Intellectual Property, Data, (preferred)

Experience:

• 8+ years of 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