The position voted for by members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on a yearly basis.

These officials are chosen at large from among the representatives of the council's members for one-year terms.

Members of bureau hold office until their successors are elected by the council at the next session.

[1][2] According to the rules of procedure of the council, the election of members to the bureau includes special regard for equitable geographic rotation among the United Nations regional groups.

[1][2] The role of president of the council involves opening and closing meetings of the body, presiding over the proceedings of the council, steering the work of the body, maintaining order and ensuring observance of the rules of procedure at all times, and, if need be, calling emergency sessions of the body.