UNOCA is headed by a Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, with the rank of UN Assistant Secretary-General. He is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Office’s mandate, using, among other tools, the Secretary-General’s good offices. In this capacity, the Special Representative and Head of UNOCA must “draw on his independence, impartiality and integrity to take, publicly and privately, appropriate steps to prevent the outbreak, escalation or spread of conflicts” in Central Africa.
The Special Representative is assisted in this task by the Chief of Staff and several specialists, including the Military Adviser. The Political Affairs Section, the Public Information Unit and the Mission Support Service also play an important role in achieving the Office’s objectives. The latter component primarily manages general administration and all operational matters. All staff work under a slogan that captures UNOCA’s mission and aspirations: “Peace and security in the service of regional integration and sustainable development in Central Africa.”