About the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA)

The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) was officially established on 1 May 2003 by the Secretary-General (ST/SGB/2003/6), in line with General Assembly Resolution A/RES/57/7 of 4 November 2002.

The mission of OSAA is to:

• enhance international support for Africa's development and security through its advocacy and analytical work,
  
• assist the Secretary General in improving coherence and coordination of the UN system support to Africa, and
  
• facilitate inter-governmental deliberations on Africa at the global level, in particular relating to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

The Office takes the lead in the preparation of Africa-related reports and inputs on the New Partnership for Africa's Development. OSAA convenes an inter-departmental Task Force on African Affairs to improve coherence in United Nations support to Africa.

Structure of the Office:

The Office is headed at the Under-Secretary-General level by Ambassador Cheick Sidi Diarra. The USG is assisted by a Director. There are two units in the Office: the Policy Analysis and Monitoring Unit (PAMU), and the Coordination, Advocacy and Programme Development Unit (CAPDU).