EBU: Eurovision Executive Supervisor Wanted | The qualifications required and the responsibilities

Through the official EBU website, the vacancy of Eurovision Executive Supervisor o has been announced, as Jon Ola Sand is known that completes his term in May at Eurovision 2020, which will take place in Rotterdam.

Applications must be submitted by 14 November

The deadline for applicants who want to succeed Jon Ola Sand in the position of Executive Supervisor of Eurovision events expires on 14 November.

Applications will not be accepted after this date, and the EBU will only contact those with the necessary qualifications. Applications are only made electronically through the EBU website.

What are the qualifications of an Executive Supervisor?

The qualifications an executive supervisor must have are varied and multidimensional, as he must be communicative, knowledgeable in political situations, linguistic, ready for many trips and work on vacations and weekends. Of course, he or she must have a television experience of organizing big events, but also be able to manage organized sets and find the right partners. In particular, the notice states:

-The executive supervisor must have a background as a high level media professional. Full experience in complex television entertainment productions, events, digital development and storytelling.
-He must be able to work in an international environment and have strong cultural and political understanding, being able to mitigate intense conflict in the field.
-He\she must have senior management experience, with extensive knowledge of the role of Project Manager.
-He\she must have a strong sense of communication with fluent English and preferably French.
-He\she must be a strong team player capable of working in changing environments and different working conditions.
-He\she must be able fro frequent visits and meetings at EBU headquarters throughout the year. Presence in Geneva (EBU headquarters) about 4 weeks before the start of Eurovision events. Short trips and work during the evenings, weekends and holidays.
-8+ years of experience in the broadcasting environment.
-5+ years of experience in human management (proven track record)

The salary is not mentioned, but it is stressed that it is competitive!

What are the duties of the Executive Supervisor?

If you still have questions about the duties of the Executive Supervisor of Eurovision events, the notice states them in more detail:

-The executive supervisor is the person who, on behalf of the EBU, has overall responsibility for the ESC mark. This includes the areas of member relations, content, production, broadcasting, financing, legal, logistics, security and communication and public relations.

-As the Eurovision Contest is an apolitical event but with a possible political impact, the general and political management of stakeholders is a key role for the Executive Supervisor.

-He\she is responsible for gathering all relevant information on the development and progress of Eurovision each year, in addition to general related matters that may be of great importance or may damage the reputation of the ESC and the EBU.

-He\she is the main responsible for ensuring that Participating Broadcasters (PBs) participating in the competition comply with the EBU Rules.

-He\she maintains extensive contact with all public service broadcasters and is available for advice, consultation and support throughout the year, also by visiting PBs at their preferred location.

-He\she  is responsible for the long-term strategic development of the Eurovision Contest, its brand and brand initiatives.

The 13th Executive Supervisor of the Competition

The new Executive Supervisor to be appointed will be the 13th in the history of the institution, with one remaining unknown until now, according to the official list published on the contest’s website:

1956-1957: Rolf Liebermann (2)
1958-1963: Unknown (6)
1964-1965: Miroslav Vilček (2)
1966-1977: Clifford Brown (12)
1978-1992: Frank Naef (15)
1993-1995: Christian Clausen (3)
1996 and 1998-2002: Christine Marchal-Ortiz (6)
1997: Marie-Claire Vionnet (1)
2003: Sarah Yuen (1)
2004-2010: Svante Stockselius (7)
2011-2020: Jon Ola Sand
2021:;

As we mentioned in our recent article, a glance at the list is enough to notice that in the 65-year history of the competition, only Miroslav Vilček came from Southern Europe (he was Croatian). All others were from central and northern Europe, with Scandinavia in recent years holding this position exclusively.

So if you think you are qualified to claim the position of Executive Supervisor, its your chance  to apply. You will certainly not have Christer Bjorkman as an opponent, since, based on what he has clarified, he is not interested in that position!

So, take it away!

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