Working out how best to implement the mission mandate is an interactive process, which involves constant dialogue between the mission and UNHQ, and is informed by dialogue with key partners on the ground, in response to the evolution of the political process and the conflict. Accordingly, it is important that the MLT maintains a close relationship with relevant departments and offices in the UN Secretariat through regular consultation and sharing of information.

Following the adoption of the UN reforms in December 2017, the principal departments at UNHQ are DPO, DPPA and DOS. Other relevant entities within the UN Secretariat are UNDSS, OHCHR and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It is important that the HoM establishes a personal relationship with both the Secretary- General and the USG DPO, as well as other senior officials in DPO and relevant departments and offices.

Similarly, other members of the MLT should establish relationships with their counterparts in the UN Secretariat: for example, the FC with the Military Adviser, the Police Commissioner with the Police Adviser, and so on. However, it is essential that messages conveyed through these functional contacts are consistent with the thinking in the rest of the mission, that the appropriate chain of authority and command is not by-passed, and that the HoM is kept fully informed. A main point of entry for the MLT to UNHQ remains the recently modified Integrated Operational Team system, which is responsible for providing day-to-day support as well as integrated operational and political guidance to the mission.

Working through the DPO, the MLT will also need to remain mindful of the views and dynamics of the UN Security Council, budgetary committees, TCCs/PCCs and other concerned UN Member States. The HoM, and possibly also other members of the MLT, will be required to regularly brief and engage with the Security Council (and other intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly) on mission progress, often in connection with the periodic renewal of the mission’s mandate, either in-person or by video conference from the field. Visits to UNHQ need to be well prepared as they provide an important opportunity to consult widely and systematically with UN counterparts and Member States.