I think we need some more information on what exactly his goals are.
But if he appears to be a child, he already has the perfect cover. Nobody would believe that a child is in charge of a country, he could easily just rule through his generals or staff or what have you.
They should have sent a poet.
Probably, not a child.
I want him to be around the age of Alexander the Great when he started his campaign to conquer the known world as he knew it.
In fact, the dictator's first name is Alexander and he seeks to united the Earth under one rule so that it could better defend itself against alien outlaws and warlords.
edited 3rd Apr '18 9:03:40 PM by Worlder
Alexander was in his early 20s during his military career, but that's still pretty young for a politician. If he was concerned about public appearances a front would definitely be an option. Of course, if his plan is to conquer the world maybe he doesn't need to care about public appearances.
They should have sent a poet.Plastic surgery, either magical or mundane, every decade or so.
The leader is actually a (practically) nameless advisor. For example, what if I told you the same Cabinet Secretary can be seen standing behind Benjamin Disraeli, Clement Attlee, and Tony Blair in certain photographs taken without official approval?
The leader leads a crime ring and has kompromat on everyone.
He works through Patsys. Essentially, the Dictator doesn't rule himself but rather advises others in an informal system. Alexander isn't on the podium giving speeches, he writes the speeches and hands them off to a figurehead. His name isn't on any document but most of the laws are drafted by his hand.
Chances are you've met Alexander but until you're in the know he's just been a really cool dude that knows all sorts of things and people.
But when the Chairman speaks, The Government Listens.

This dictator likes to keep a really low profile while improving the country's GDP; mainly because he isn't human and either are his enemies.
This leader has plans for his country and wants to ensure its security and prosperity for ages to come. Thankfully, his lifespan far exceeds that of most healthy human beings while retaining the vigor of a sixteen year old youth allows him to play the long game. Unfortunately, this means that the populace at large will notice that their great leader doesn't exactly age despite decades have passed since he took office.
Now given that his inner circle of associates and allies know his secret, what can they do to ensure that their chairman can still guide the country from the shadows and keep his true nature top secret?
edited 2nd Apr '18 7:19:06 PM by Worlder