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 Television (LTV)
Responsible To: Director Operations
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Director Operations, the Head of News is responsible for the management, supervision, and control of the newsroom, including oversight of financial matters and editorial direction.
Main Duties
1. Management of the Newsroom
- Monitor news production to ensure quality control.
- Guide the Editor for smooth running of the newsroom.
- Hold daily meetings with the Editor to receive updates on news coverage.
- Subscribe to news agencies to access relevant news material.
- Define and maintain ethical and editorial standards for stories.
- Schedule meetings with clients as necessary.
- Undertake, lead, and manage the planning of story submission timelines.
2. Presentational Duties
- Participate in news conferences, meetings, workshops, and seminars to acquire new techniques and improve efficiency.
- Participate in news organization seminars on news ideas and policies.
3. Management of Departmental Budget
- Consolidate annual objectives and submit them to the Director Operations for approval and guidance of the newsroom.
- Actively participate in the preparation and submission of the annual budget for inclusion in the ministerial budget to secure funds.
- Participate in and advise the Director Operations regarding approval of sectional work plans to ensure they align with departmental objectives.
- Monitor departmental expenditure to ensure adherence to financial regulations and to guard against overspending.
- Prepare requisitions for the newsroom.
- Prepare tender notices for jobs to be carried out within the section.
4. Management of Newsroom Staff
- Participate in the development of human resource plans to ensure effective staffing of the department and advise the Director Operations on shortages and needs.
- Assign and allocate responsibilities and duties to section heads, periodically monitoring their performance.
- Approve sectional training plans to facilitate purposeful and systematic staff development.
- Periodically evaluate the performance of staff under supervision.
5. Perform Any Other Related Duties as May Be Assigned Due to Service Demands
Knowledge and Skills
Education and Training
- Master’s Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication with at least three (3) years of satisfactory service as either Editor or Sub-Editor;
OR - Postgraduate qualification in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication with at least four (4) years of satisfactory service as either Editor or Sub-Editor;
OR - Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, or any Social Science/Humanities field with at least six (6) years of experience as Editor, Producer, or Reporter in a TV newsroom.
Responsibilities
For Work of Others
The job holder is required to supervise the Editor and Sub-Editor.
For Property (Equipment, Material, and Finance)
The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that equipment and materials are kept securely — including locking the newsroom where computers, fax machines, and news materials are stored.
For Effect of Errors
- Responsible for any errors committed in communication of instructions to cover events, which could result in news not being broadcast and loss of audience.
- Responsible for errors in story editing that could lead to misinformation.
- Accountable for mistakes made while collecting, translating, writing, or reading news.
Complexity
Authority for Decision-Making
The incumbent has the authority to make decisions on the newsworthiness of materials.
Problem Solving
- May occasionally need to clarify assignments given to the Editor and Sub-Editors.
- May be required to mediate between conflicting subordinates.
Supervision Received
Expected to work independently and report to the Director Operations on a weekly basis.
Contacts
The position requires contact with:
- Director Operations – to receive assignments.
- Editor – to provide assignments.
- Members of other departments and sections – to discuss job-related issues.
- Members of other ministries, districts, organizations, and the public – to coordinate dissemination of information.
Effort
Mental Effort
The job requires minimal mental effort.
Emotional Effort
The job holder must work under pressure, especially when news material is delayed for editing and broadcast. Occasionally, the incumbent will deal with politically or otherwise motivated requests for event coverage that may conflict with professional ethics and codes of conduct.
Working Conditions
Unfavorable Conditions
The job holder is required to work beyond normal working hours.
Hazards
Minimal.
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