Is there a mitzvah to be a chazzan?
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Question
Is there a mitzvah to be a shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader)?
Answer
Shalom Rav
It is not a 'mitzvah' in the sense of an obligation, but there is a fulfillment of a mitzvah in it.
This is why mourners are appointed as shaliach tzibbur during the year of mourning, to add merits to the deceased for the elevation of their soul, and from here it is a merit for the one who ascends.
The reason for this is likely because the shaliach tzibbur prays the prayer again, and he has many additional blessings, and he also enables the entire congregation to hear and respond 'Amen' to the blessings and the Kaddish.
Source
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 53, S"K 59
For prayer is more of a mitzvah than the recitation of Kaddish: