The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. The functions of the secretariat are, among others, (a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies established under the Convention and to provide them with services as required; (b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; (c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; (d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions. In accordance with the decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties and recommendations by its subsidiary bodies, the Executive Direction and Management unit (EDM) defines the strategic planning and provides the policy guidance to the units of the secretariat that is necessary to the effective discharge of their missions. This position is placed in the office of Deputy Executive Secretary in the Executive Direction Management Unit (EDM).