The EITI International Secretariat is based in Oslo. Officially opened in September 2007 and hosted by the Government of Norway, the Secretariat is an independent body solely accountable to the EITI Board. The Head of the Secretariat leads a staff that includes five Regional Directors, a Communications Manager, an Executive Secretary and an Office Manager.

The Secretariat is responsible for turning policy decisions of the EITI Board into action, and for coordinating worldwide efforts in implementing the EITI. Its role specifically includes: outreach and advocacy, communicating and sharing lessons learned with stakeholders, managing a resource centre on revenue management and transparency, and oversight of the Validation process. It organises, jointly with supporting and implementing countries, the biennial EITI Conference.

An important role of the Secretariat is to support implementation. Although implementation is the responsibility of local EITI stakeholders, the Secretariat aims at ensuring coordination between supporting countries and assistance providers such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and bilateral donors. The Secretariat closely follows in-country implementation and findings of Validation processes to guide and inform the national EITI processes.

Finally, as a platform for exchange of experience and information, the Secretariat welcomes a constant dialogue and collaboration with all partners.