The Secretariat comprises a Director General appointed by the Executive Council and approved by the General Assembly, for a renewable period of four years, and such staff as may be required, as appointed by the Director General. 

The Director General’s duties are international in nature, with tasks and responsibilities assigned by, and in co-ordination with, the Executive Council or Executive Board, and not by Centres.

The ITI has a liaison office at UNESCO in Paris/France. Its management is based at the ITI Headquarters in Shanghai/China since 2015.