Head of Global Operations, ONE Data

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization fighting for a more just world by demanding the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. We do this by deploying trusted and dynamic advocacy that leverages hard-hitting data, credible grassroots activism, creative political engagement, and strategic partnerships. We use all this to influence decision-makers to take action and tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Read more at www.one.org.

ONE Data is an initiative of the ONE Campaign focused on transforming how public finance and development data is accessed and used. Our vision is a world where information asymmetries are collapsed and high-quality, evidence-based decisions lead to greater economic opportunity and healthier lives. Our mission is to organise the world’s public finance and development data and make it universally accessible and useful - collapsing the time from raw data to actionable insight. By building open, interoperable data infrastructure and intuitive analytical tools, ONE Data strengthens transparency, accountability, and more effective investment in development. In a system where data is fragmented, delayed, and difficult to interpret, ONE Data integrates disparate sources into trusted, policy-relevant insights that empower decision-makers, advocates, journalists, researchers, and partners globally.

In 2026, the focus of the team will be to execute a proof-of-concept for ONE Data, exhibiting viability as an established entity which creates a revenue stream through these data products and services. We will be a Development Finance Observatory with white label data services to support users in the policy making community alongside building a hybrid revenue model to sustain the entity. You can read more about our vision in the ONE Data White Paper.

ONE is seeking a Head of Global Operations to partner closely with the Managing Director and help build the operational foundation for ONE Data as it moves from an emerging initiative into a more scaled and sustainable platform. This role will lead operational excellence across a fast-evolving team and will bring the structure, discipline, and commercial operating practices needed to support growth, strengthen delivery, and enable long-term success. The Head of Global Operations will work with the Managing Director to create and articulate a long-term vision for ONE Data, while being laser focused on delivery success in 2026, meeting and exceeding the obligations and expectations of our donors.  By leading day-to-day operational delivery, this role will enable the Managing Director to focus on external engagement fundraising, strategy, and driving and influencing policy positions for the organization. In a team that is still growing and evolving, this role will be critical in translating ambition into clear plans, effective processes, and consistent execution.

Core responsibilities include project, grant/deliverables, and budget management as ONE Data continues to grow.  The Head of Global Operations will lead reporting for internal stakeholders, other teams within ONE, donors and advisory board members, and will drive grant and donor reporting. They will also work closely with ONE’s Finance, HR and Legal teams to ensure budgetary and legal compliance across projects, including contracts, invoice processing, and team time allocation.

This role requires a strong collaborator and problem-solver, who is a natural diplomat and can anticipate and address operational challenges, clear roadblocks, and escalate where necessary. Their understanding of team workflows, project planning, capacity, budget, and priorities will inform team strategy and resource allocation, and will help shape how the Managing Director prioritizes their own work to best support the team’s growth and ambition.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced operations leader, with a strong general management and project management background and exceptional communications skills, who is able to handle a varied role with dynamic responsibilities.  They will bring strong commercial data experience from a consulting or product environment, and an interest in development policy.

• Drive project management discipline, with oversight of project timelines, budgets, and donor reporting.
• Create a high-performance culture while managing employee growth and engagement.
• Bring commercial best practices to the ONE Data team.
• Coordinate cross-functional planning and resource allocation across competing projects to exceed our donor expectations.
• Review/Write/Contribute to all grant and client proposals, with a focus on resourcing and costing.
• Support client account management, serving as an escalation point for client issues and concerns.
• Serve as the primary POC for the ONE Operations team for Finance, HR and Legal.
• Drive all business terms in contracting.
• Ensure compliance with grant and legal requirements.
• Drive the annual budgeting process for the group working closely with the finance team and the Managing Director.
• Identify leading indicators of success for this group for early identification of issues.
• Provide oversight of the pipeline of opportunities, both sales and donors, and instill a sense of urgency to move them along.

• 10+ years of experience in project management, operations, and budget management, in a fast-paced tech/data environment such as: Data products, SaaS, Data Infrastructure, Analytics platforms.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables across multiple projects or funding streams.
• Fluent in agile workflows, startup / tech culture and experience with high growth models.
• Familiarity with grant management and donor reporting, including compliance, documentation, and financial tracking is a plus.
• Experience coordinating with finance, legal, and operations teams to manage contracts, payments, and compliance.
• Proven ability to guide teams and build a culture of accountability and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, growing and complex organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear internal and external reports at the most senior levels
• Experience in for-profit data organizations.
• Interest in international development and Africa.

• Experienced in high performing cultures to garner respect of the ONE Data team.
• Ability to operate effectively within a global matrix organisation.
• Highly organised, analytical and self-motivated.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and fast-moving priorities.
• Remains positive under pressure and in high-stakes environments.
• Independent problem solver with sound judgement.
• Action-oriented and results focused.
• Flexible and resourceful approach to delivery.
• Commitment to transparency, accountability and equity in development.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English is required. French or German language skills are an advantage but not essential. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL: Hybrid or remote work environment depending on location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Travel requirements may include occasional domestic and international travel (up to 10%) to attend partner meetings, conferences, or team convenings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Are you ready to join ONE? Please submit a resumé and cover letter to this opening at ONE jobs!