MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NO. 3 OF 2025
Ref: CM/CIR/30
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position:
POSITION: Head of News
Number of Positions: One (1)
Department: Lesotho News Agency (LENA)
Responsible To: Director LENA
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director LENA, the Head of News is responsible for editing and submitting factual, credible, and accurate content to clients through various media platforms within agreed timelines. The incumbent must possess excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Main Duties
1. Management of Newsroom and District Offices
- Review newsroom and district office operations to ensure alignment with current media trends.
- Assign tasks to Editors and monitor progress.
- Review raw and edited stories to ensure quality control.
- Arrange and coordinate coverage of events abroad.
- Define and uphold ethical and editorial standards of stories.
- Schedule meetings with clients to strengthen engagement and partnerships.
- Lead and manage the planning and submission of news stories within deadlines.
2. Management of Budget
- Prepare annual financial estimates to meet the operational needs of the newsroom.
- Consolidate newsroom and departmental operational requirements.
- Prepare requisitions and process payments for required services.
3. Management and Supervision of Staff
- Recommend training, development, and disciplinary actions for staff.
- Manage transport logistics to facilitate news coverage.
- Monitor the daily quantity and quality of Editors’ work and overall newsroom output.
4. Monitoring of Website and Social Media
- Edit and approve information to be uploaded to the website and social media platforms.
- Ensure timely and accurate updates to online channels at designated story submission times.
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong creativity and innovation capacity
- Effective time management
- High attention to detail
- Sound decision-making skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal effectiveness
- Stress tolerance and emotional stability
Responsibilities
For the Work of Others
- Manages Editors and Senior Editors.
- Establishes and enforces website and social media guidelines, ensuring all published content adheres to editorial and ethical standards.
- Expected to work independently and provide daily briefings to the Director LENA.
For Property (Equipment, Material, and Finances)
- Ensures proper security and safe handling of all departmental equipment and infrastructure.
For Safety of Others
- Ensures the safety of staff and protection of information sources and whistle-blowers.
Complexity
Authority for Decision-Making
- Authorized to determine the newsworthiness of submitted materials.
- Ensures balanced and fair coverage across all sectors.
- Exercises control over departmental transport and resource allocation.
Problem Solving
- Mediates disciplinary or interpersonal issues among staff members.
Contacts
The incumbent is required to maintain regular contact with:
- Director LENA – to receive assignments and updates.
- Senior Editors – to delegate assignments and review progress.
Effort
Mental Effort
The job requires intense concentration and attention to detail when reviewing content for publication, demanding strong eyesight and auditory focus.
Emotional Effort
The role involves working under tight deadlines and pressure. The incumbent must handle politically motivated requests for news coverage that may conflict with professional ethics and journalistic standards.
Working Conditions
- The job requires working beyond normal working hours.
- Exposure to unfavorable conditions, particularly during major political events.
Hazards
- The job holder may face security risks, especially during elections or political instability, when perpetrators may attempt to control news or media announcements.
Job Specification
Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication with at least three (3) years in senior management;
OR - Postgraduate Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication with at least four (4) years in senior management;
OR - Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication with at least five (5) years in senior management.
Application Instructions
Applications should be made on the relevant forms, i.e. G.P. 103 for first appointment and G.P. 104 for serving officers. Applications must include:
- Certified copies of educational certificates,
- An up-to-date and duly filled performance appraisal form,
- A copy of the confirmation letter, and
- A certified copy of the national ID.
All applications should be addressed to:
The Human Resource Office
Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation
P.O. Box 36, Moposo House, 3rd Floor
Maseru 100
Applications must be hand-delivered to the Human Resource Office, Moposo House (3rd Floor).
Closing Date: 26th November 2025