Active Jobs at Discovery Limited

Key purpose

• Lead the technical development, testing and implementation of advanced Large Language Model (LLM) based projects and related technologies to deliver end-to-end data science and AI products using within the organisation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and business partners to design, build, and deploy scalable solutions that will directly impact staff and customers.

Key Outputs

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of LLM- and generative AI-based solutions that address large-scale and complex problems and materially drive the company’s global product offerings and strategy forward.
• Collaborate with product owners, project managers, and executive stakeholders to identify and prioritise business problems that can be solved with LLMs.
• Conduct desktop research into the state-of-the-art in LLMs and Generative AI and apply findings to real-world applications (either requested by business or suggested by yourself).
• Conduct experimental research on the use of LLMs in real-world company applications to ensure that design and development decisions are made scientifically, and optimise for and balance all business requirements. These include accuracy, scalability, efficiency, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Help to manage and grow a team of data scientists, developers, and engineers, likely having 1-3 direct reports. Mentor, motivate, and guide your team (direct reports and the team as a whole) in best practices and the strategic direction of projects. Understand your team’s career goals and work to advance their careers in line with these.
• Translate strategic direction into technical product definitions and roadmaps.
• Participate actively in internal and external communities discussing and designing policies for the ethical use of AI, and ensure your team’s work meets ethical AI standards.
• Contribute substantially to a culture of innovation, leading the prototyping and development of novel methodologies and approaches. Provide strong thought leadership in this regard.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to executives and non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence by understanding and uplifting team members, and skilfully managing challenging situations with composure.
• Advise other teams in the business on best practice based on your experience.

Personal Attributes and Skills  

• A creative and enthusiastic attitude to unearthing valuable insights and generating value for Discovery clients 
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and to step back and see how analytics work fits into the wider business context 
• Results driven, curious and able to work autonomously or within teams
• Good time and task management skills
• Ability to communicate results of analyses in a clear and effective manner
• Aligned to Discovery values and core purpose 

Experience, qualifications, and mandatory requirements

• A post-graduate STEM degree (e.g. Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Applied Maths) or relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in data science, with a recent focus on generative AI.
• Proven track record of Data Science or AI project delivery.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Deep understanding of LLMs and experience with models like the GPTs, LLaMA, Gemini etc.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Experience in a leadership role within a data science, research & development, or consulting team.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong ability to identify and tackle challenges independently, demonstrating a keen entrepreneurial spirit.
• (advantageous) Experience with cloud platforms such as GCP, Azure, or AWS.
• (advantageous) Familiarity with MLOps practices and tools.
• (advantageous) Experience providing strategic oversight and helping manage a data science division.

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Key purpose

• Lead the delivery of a variety of AI projects and ensure they align with the organization’s strategic goals. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and executives to ensure that projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and meet the highest quality standards. Your work will directly impact product offerings, and operations and servicing quality.

Key Outputs

• Delivery management and stakeholder engagement
• Engage with diverse teams for driving the delivery of projects, including: the users of products that the team builds, executives, operations teams, knowledge management teams, systems and architecture teams.
• Ensure the successful end-to-end delivery of data science projects which meet both functional and non-functional requirements.
• Monitor project progress and performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Technical AI and product decision making
• Lead a team of data scientists, engineers and developers in building sophisticated data science, NLP, and AI products.
• Oversee the design and implementation of these products from prototype to deployment and scaling, making the final technical decisions.
• Foster a culture of scientific decision-making, prioritizing research and experimentation.
• Ensure the team remains well-read and informed about the cutting edge in foundational and applied AI.
• Participate in pair-programming and code reviews as needed.
• Advocate for the needs to the team and product-delivery with respect to large-scale platform and Group technology decisions.
• Influence and align to Group-wide strategies
• Collaborate with senior managers and technical partners to identify and prioritise business problems that can be solved with LLMs and NLP methodologies
• Create evidence-driven business cases for investment in LLM and NLP innovation
• Lead international working groups to ensure the sharing of and alignment to best practices in data science and AI practice.
• Support other data science and AI teams in the Discovery Group with direction and advice.
• Function as a senior advisor regarding the value and risks of AI at Group Exco and Board levels.
• Build relationships with external industry, academic, and NGO, and governmental organizations for mutual benefit.

AI governance

• Ensure alignment to the highest privacy and data governance standards across all projects.
• Contribute to Group policies regarding privacy and data governance.
• Actively participate in Responsible AI working groups

Team leadership

• Oversee a team of ~12 data scientists, engineers and developers (permanent staff and contractors) at the forefront of LLM research and implementation.
• Coach team members to maximize their potential and project progress.
• Prioritize career development, understanding personal and professional goals, and creating opportunities to achieve them.
• Set up mentoring opportunities internally and externally to aid in team members’ career development.
• Set challenging goals for team members which are aligned with personal and project objectives. Provide continuous feedback regarding performance towards these goals.
• Lead recruiting efforts to grow the team.

External network

• Represent Discovery publicly, giving talks and participating in industry events.
• Build a network of organizations and experts for mutual learning and support.
• Be recognized as an expert and valued opinion contributor

Personal Attributes and Skills  

• A creative and enthusiastic attitude to unearthing valuable insights and generating value for Discovery clients 
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and to step back and see how analytics work fits into the wider business context 
• Results driven, curious and able to work autonomously or within teams
• Good time and task management skills
• Ability to communicate results of analyses in a clear and effective manner
• Aligned to Discovery values and core purpose 

Experience, qualifications, and mandatory requirements

• Post-graduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Applied Maths or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, with a focus on natural language processing (NLP) and LLMs.
• 4+ years of experience leading a team of data scientists.
• 1+ years of technical experience with LLMs and GenAI.
• Proven track record of leading successful projects from conception to deployment.
• Strong programming skills (preferably Python) and experience with models like the GPTs, LLaMA, Gemini etc.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Advantageous:

• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Publications or presentations at conferences or industry events.
• Experience in a leadership role within a consulting, research, or development team.

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Key purpose

• The vacancy is for an Instructional Design role within the Discovery Institute of Training. The role requires the Instructional Designer to develop training solutions and material for Discovery Bank employees, according to high quality standards. The role will also involve constant evaluation of the training cycle and regular updating of material.

Key outputs

• All work must be done accurately, comprehensively and in-line with set quality standards.
• Effectively follow the 6Ds methodology to develop all learning solutions.
• Consult with stakeholders across all relevant business areas to identify and address L&D needs.
• Gather information in relation to key needs and requirements of the area.
• Develop comprehensive curriculum to cater for the needs of specific areas.
• Design and develop training material and assessments for in-person and virtual training workshops and induction programmes, in line with the curriculum to ensure that learning outcomes are matched.
• Develop storyboards (only) for digital training material, which could include online courses, videos, podcasts, infographics and animations.
• Note: The Instructional Designer will not be responsible for any development of digital material as this function is fulfilled by the Multimedia design team.
• Consult with business areas to agree on reasonable and achievable deadlines.
• Train and provide guidance to the facilitators to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved through effective presentation of material.
• Support and provide guidance and feedback to junior instructional designers within the team.
• Maintain material and ensuring best practice guidelines are followed across the areas.
• Continuous evaluation of both facilitators and the effectiveness of training material.
• Ability to develop material based on technical product information and specifications.
• Manage projects within the portfolio, team, or department. This includes proactive communication, updates, and timelines.
• Apply planning and project management skills, as well as the use of project management tools.
• Set strategic portfolio goals and plan and manage new initiatives for the portfolio.
• Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyse data to identify engagement trends, make impactful recommendations, and suggest solutions.
• Use approved AI technology effectively to enhance ID processes and develop deliverables.

Competencies

• Extensive experience in the application of the 6Ds methodology
• Creative and innovative
• Very good command of English language
• Demonstrate strong instructional writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent project management skills
• Communicate effectively with diverse personalities
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Coping with pressure and setbacks
• Adapting and responding to change
• Relating and networking
• Applying expertise and technology
• Leadership skills

Experience

The following qualifications and experience are required:

• At least two years Instructional Design experience.
• 2 years working experience in the same role. 
• Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development Practitioner qualification (ODETDP).
• Knowledge and experience working in the financial services industry/with the Discovery Bank Product.
• Business related degree

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Key Purpose 

• The Information Governance Officer (IGO) supports the Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) through the Deputy CISO, with all IT governance and control related functions.  Responsible for ensuring that the appropriate policies, procedures, standards, RACI charts and practices for conformance with the respective governance frameworks and mandatory legislation and regulations, are in place as defined. 
• Work closely with information technology, privacy and security personnel to establish and conduct oversight on approach to the use of information and associated technologies. 

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited  

• Establish and assist in the development of appropriate policies, procedures and practices in relation to IT, Privacy and Security governance and planning functions; 
• Ensure and monitor the effective implementation of and drive awareness for policies, procedures and standards; 
• Manage day-to-day activities - maintaining policies, standards, procedures, training and communication regarding Information Governance; 
• In conjunction with Group Legal and Group Compliance, assist in the identification of applicable laws and regulations and assist with the implementation of actions to ensure compliance; 
• Exhibit knowledge of governance, legal, compliance and auditing frameworks and apply that in reviewing the quality of existing and new documentation; 
• Recognise and identify potential areas where existing policies, standards and procedures require change; 
• Support additional internal and external compliance activities as part of the Information Governance and Security department; 
• Support key stakeholders and management with governance planning, reporting, advice 

Personal Attributes and Skills  

• Strong negotiation skills 
• Excellent knowledge of Risk, Legal and technology environments 
• The ability to articulate security in non-technical business impact terms 
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills, ability to lead discussions 
• Business Writing Skills, Presentation and Facilitation Skills 
• Customer Service Orientation, Result Orientation, Negotiation skills 
• Personal organisation and time management skills 
• Professional Communication (written, verbal/presenting and listening) 
• Interpersonal skills - Ability to build relationships with people from all different backgrounds and at different job levels 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Basic IT qualifications (A+, N+ or equivalent) 
• proven experience 
• Documentation and business writing skill 
• Risk-related industry-standard qualifications such as CISA, CISM or CGEIT would be a strong recommendation. 
• IT related Diploma / Degree 
• NIST, COBIT, ISO2700X, and ITIL 
• CRISC, CGEIT (understanding of or experience in) 
• 5+ Years experience in information technology 
• Working knowledge of and/or experience with Risk and compliance 
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, legislations, etc 
• Experience in compliance frameworks for Information Security, Compliance & IT Governance Standards: ISO27001, PCI-DSS, COBIT, King III/IV, NIST 
• Strong risk assessment/audit capabilities with hands on experience in many technologies and platforms across a broad range of industries. 

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Key Purpose

• To provide support to the Reputation Management function and to contribute to the delivery of professional and efficient influencer relations. To ensure that media and other audiences have a clear and continued understanding of the company’s strategy, performance, products and key initiatives.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to:

• Provide strategic and operational assistance to Head of Reputation Management and deliver a professional and efficient media relations service for Discovery, with accountability for multiple business areas.  
• Ensure that media and other audiences have a clear and continued understanding of the company’s strategy, performance, products and key initiatives.
• Support the overall Reputation Management function and contribute to the delivery of professional and efficient influencer relations, across traditional and social media.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with journalists, influencers and other stakeholders.
• Drive and assist with events such as media conferences, interim and final year-end results presentations, and sponsorship activities and events.
• Create and support a variety of campaigns across the Discovery businesses by defining goals, analysing problems and exploring opportunities for brand promotion.
• Provide strategic reputation support across various projects and take accountability for the PR and social media element of these projects.
• Create a variety of content, both developing content ideas, writing and curating content
• Producing reports
• Coordinate the development of media releases, speeches, social media content, video and any other external communications material in collaboration with the content team.
• Respond promptly and accurately to queries from individuals, journalists and other organisations.
• Monitor and gather insights into industry development and best practices, and giving feedback to the business.
• Develop innovative, creative and unique approaches to reputation management and influencer marketing.

Competencies

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in writing and editing
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• The ability to work independently in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Enjoys working with people, networking and influencing
• Ability to handle client-facing meetings with ease (essential skill)
• A positive attitude, creativity and confidence to approach stakeholders, internal and external to achieve objectives
• Focused on delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Effective project management and outstanding time management skills
• A passion for working with societal influencers and using digital platforms to create brand awareness
• An understanding of the South African online communities
• The ability to handle multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Excellent personal organisation skills and superb attention to detail

Education and Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Business Studies or Media Relations or Corporate Communications 
• Minimum of 5-8 years’ experience in financial services media relations, or a communications / PR, journalistic or PR agency role
• A high level of computer literacy, including the ability to research online and learn how to use new online tools
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with current and emerging digital media platforms such as Google, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok etc.