ONE to cut 30% of staff in strategic shift

ONE, the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization, plans to eliminate roughly 30% of its staff — about 50 roles — to narrow its focus on key global development priorities amidst rising operating costs and increasing competition, Devex has learned. “Like other non-profits, ONE has experienced a challenging financial environment and more competitive fundraising landscape,” the organization wrote in a statement to Devex on Tuesday. “As part of its strategy review, ONE evaluated its operational model and how it can be more successful in an era of rising costs and a lower overall budget. As a result, ONE has taken some difficult but necessary steps to ensure it is the right size for its budget and is aiming to reduce approximately 50 roles across the organization,” the statement reads. ONE did not offer specifics on which roles would be cut or where they are based. A current employee told Devex that the changes are intended to build on ONE’s strengths as a nonpartisan advocacy organization with influence among global policymakers, while focusing resources around an overarching goal: unlocking transformative financing to reduce poverty and preventable disease in Africa. ONE combines two nonprofit organizations. The ONE Campaign raises public awareness of issues related to global poverty and health, while ONE Action engages in direct lobbying. Together, the two organizations reported roughly $28 million in revenue in 2022, according to public financial documents. Their combined expenses for the year were roughly $42 million, and they reported combined assets of roughly $36 million. ONE’s restructuring comes as the influential advocacy organization marks its 20th anniversary this year. ONE was founded in 2004 by Bono, the lead singer of rock band U2, American activist Robert Shriver, and Jamie Drummond. It also comes during a period of significant change for both the organization and the advocacy environment in which it operates. At the end of 2023, Bono stepped down from the ONE’s board of directors after two decades, citing his desire to make room for a new generation of activists. Bono remains active with the organization, including as a funder. This month, ONE’s CEO, Gayle Smith, stepped down after seven years leading the organization — with a stint as the Biden administration’s global COVID-19 response coordinator in 2021. In September, ONE announced the departure of Tom Hart, the organization’s president, who left to take over as CEO of InterAction, the U.S.-based coalition of international NGOs. ONE is currently led by an interim president, John Spears, the organization’s chief operating officer, and plans to announce a new leader this spring. Based on the strategy review that began in May 2023, ONE’s board endorsed a new strategic operating plan to “more tightly focus resources on where they will have the greatest impact against its mission,” according to the statement shared with Devex. This year, those key priorities include the funding replenishments for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Bank’s International Development Association, its fund for the lowest-income countries, which is eyeing its largest-ever fundraising cycle, the ONE employee told Devex on background. ONE will also shift its approach to influencing leaders and governments in these moments by creating more platforms for African leaders to engage in key policy arenas. “Africa has always been at the heart of ONE’s mission, but ONE’s new strategic plan puts its work with African leaders and influencers in sharper focus,” the statement reads. The strategy and restructuring reflect a shift from the big, anti-poverty movement building of the past, to a more targeted approach that accounts for a fragmented and polarized media landscape and greater competition among nonprofit organizations vying for funding, attention, and influence, said the employee speaking on background. "The world has shifted dramatically since ONE was founded, and ONE needs to adapt to this changing political and campaigning environment,” Spears, the interim president and COO, said in a statement. "With the support of our board, we are now taking concrete steps toward becoming a more agile organization better positioned to succeed in our ambitious mission. We are confident this is the right direction for ONE, but it comes with difficult changes. ONE is committed to fully supporting our colleagues during this time and continuing to pursue our critical advocacy work,” he added. Update, Jan. 30, 2024: This article has been updated with additional information on ONE’s finances. Update, Jan. 31, 2024: This article has been updated to include other founders of ONE.