The governance of the ICJ resides with the Commissioners themselves. The Commissioners meet every two years at the ICJ's Biennial Conferences to assist the International Secretariat in the formulation and definition of the policy and activities of the organisation.

Between Biennial Conferences an Executive Committee acts on behalf of the Commission. Composed of between seven and nine Commissioners, the Executive Committee is elected by the Commission for a period of two years and may be re-elected twice for an additional two years. The Executive Committee meets at least twice a year and maintains a regular working relationship with the International Secretariat.