The Administrative Committee meets at least once a year and is made up of one third of the Member States of OTIF, which are designated by the General Assembly. The General Assembly also elects the Member State that chairs the Administrative Committee.

The Administrative Committee is the body that monitors the Secretary General’s activities in terms of managing the Secretariat (Article 15 COTIF 1999). In addition to its steering role and strategic considerations in terms of approving the work programme, it has a broad managerial prerogative. The Administrative Committee approves the conclusion of the Headquarters Agreement, the appointment of the main staff members, amendments to the Staff Regulations and it exercises budgetary and financial control. It also ensures the correct application by the Secretary General of COTIF and of decisions taken by the other bodies.

The Administrative Committee also resolves disputes between a Member State and the Secretary General with regard to his function as Depositary. Lastly, it takes decisions about applications for suspension of membership.