The terms of reference, tasks and duties of the Members, the Board of Directors and the Secretary are defined by the Bylaws and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The highest level of authority in IAF is the Members in a General Meeting. General Meetings make decisions and lay down policy in the name of the Members. The Board is responsible for legal actions to be carried out on behalf of the Members, for developing broad policy directions for IAF and for ensuring that the day-to-day work of IAF is carried out in accordance with policies approved by Members.

The Executive Committee is responsible to the Board of Directors for the day-to-day work of IAF on the basis of decisions made by the Members and directions by the Board of Directors. The operations of all IAF Committees and Subordinate Groups, including the Executive Committee, are subject to the IAF General Procedures.