1. The Secretary-General shall be the legal representative and the chief official of the Organization and shall be responsible for its administration, including the appointment of officials, in accordance with the provisions of this Convention and the rules and regulations adopted by the Governing Council.

2. The Secretary-General shall be appointed for a term of five years and be eligible for re-appointment once.

3. The Secretary-General may participate in meetings of the Governing Council but shall have no vote.

4. The Secretary-General shall perform the function of Registrar and shall have the power to authenticate mediation reports made or settlement agreements concluded pursuant to this Convention, and to certify copies thereof.

5. The Secretary-General may act as the appointing authority under the rules adopted pursuant to this Convention or other mediation rules if so designated by a mediation clause, a subsequent agreement of the parties, or otherwise.

6. The Secretary-General shall manage the communication with Contracting States and promote the Organization on the international stage.

7. The office of the Secretary-General shall be incompatible with the exercise of any political function. Neither the Secretary-General nor any Deputy Secretary- General may hold any other employment or engage in any other occupation except with the approval of the Governing Council.