> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md).

# Heads of Mission / Ambassadors

Heads of Mission and Ambassadors play a central role in shaping how support to independent media and information integrity is prioritised, positioned, and acted upon at country level. Decisions taken at this level - on political engagement, signalling, and strategic direction - directly influence whether media support is recognised as a core component of broader diplomatic, governance, and development objectives.

This role operates at the intersection of political leadership, diplomacy, and programme oversight. Heads of Mission engage with national authorities, donors, and other stakeholders, and help define how priorities are communicated and pursued in-country. This includes how media and information integrity are positioned within political dialogue, how risks are assessed and managed, and how different parts of the mission align around shared objectives.

Consultations highlighted that political leadership and signalling can be decisive in determining whether media support is feasible, prioritised, and sustained. At the same time, this role operates within complex political and diplomatic constraints, where decisions must balance competing priorities, sensitivities, and risks. How media issues are raised - and whether they are raised at all - can have direct implications for both the scope and feasibility of media support interventions and partner safety.

This section provides practical guidance to support Heads of Mission and Ambassadors in aligning political engagement, strategic direction, and diplomatic action with the OECD DAC Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment.

### How to use this section

Depending on your needs, you can navigate directly to:

[**Start here: Quick checklist**](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors/start-here-quick-checklist-for-heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md)\
A rapid “stress test” to assess whether political positioning, engagement, and signalling support effective and context-appropriate media interventions.

[**Key considerations for political engagement and leadership**](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors/key-considerations-for-heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md)\
Common challenges, trade-offs, and what effective leadership looks like in complex political and media environments.

[**Detailed guidance by principle**](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors/applying-the-oecd-principles-in-practice.md)[TED Toolkit](/toolkit/about.md)\
Actionable recommendations aligned with the six OECD Principles.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip**

If you are new to media and information integrity, start with the [narrative section](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors/key-considerations-for-heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md).\
If you are engaging in political dialogue or setting strategic direction, begin with the [checklist](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors/start-here-quick-checklist-for-heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md).
{% endhint %}