Over 2026, we’re introducing you to some of the people who make GRID3 the organisation it is. This week we’re profiling Christiana Nwoko, Operations Coordinator, who supports the delivery of campaigns and activities across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Originally from Sierra Leone, Christiana brings both a personal connection to GRID3’s mission and a deep commitment to making the behind-the-scenes work that enables field operations hold up, campaign after campaign.

How did you first become interested in using geospatial data to improve development outcomes? 

My interest in working in operations for a geospatial data organization comes from wanting to see things from the ground up. I was keen to understand what happens behind the scenes, how campaigns and activities even begin, how the operational roadmap is developed, and everything that goes into supporting a project before implementation.

For example, with a polio campaign, there is so much planning, coordination, and preparation that takes place before the campaign even starts. Seeing how all those operational pieces come together to make the campaign successful is what I find fascinating.

Have you always loved maps?

Prior to joining GRID3, I had a very different understanding of maps — they were used to guide autonomous delivery robots at my previous company. Joining GRID3 has expanded that understanding. I now see how maps are used to address real-world human challenges, and that shift in perspective has been one of the most unexpected parts of this role.

What in particular attracted you to GRID3?

I was particularly interested in GRID3 after learning about its impact during the early phase of COVID in my home country, Sierra Leone. It was especially meaningful for me to work in an organization whose work and mission not only impact the continent, but also my own country. Sierra Leone is a small country, and it is not often that I hear about international support directed there, so seeing that connection made the opportunity particularly significant to me.

Do you have a favorite experience working at GRID3? What made it special?

One of my most memorable experiences at GRID3 was coordinating a data collection fieldwork in a very remote area of the DRC. It was a complex assignment with significant logistical challenges that required constant problem-solving, adaptability, and close collaboration with the team and vendors.

I almost thought the fieldwork would not come together just days before the data collection began. Our team’s flight was cancelled and postponed to a much later date due to airport renovations, putting the entire data collection at risk. After several calls, we found another way by taking a two-day-long journey over difficult roads. At that point, the next challenge was finding a vendor willing to take the journey on such short notice. After several discussions with multiple vendors, we finally found one who was willing to go. What stood out most was the team’s willingness to make the arduous trip without hesitation. It was a reminder that behind every dataset are people whose dedication and resilience make the work possible. 

How has your work changed since you first started working with GRID3?

When I first started, I was mostly involved in invoices and other logistical arrangements for the global team. This has evolved into deep engagement with the country teams. This country-specific work was particularly exciting for me because I saw a problem and I wanted to make things move quicker and set up a process to make it work better. 

Often so much preparation goes into starting the fieldwork, and then when you are closing the project there are many other pressing priorities that threaten to stall the completion. The solution was to create a structured closeout process. We developed this approach, and the team is able to identify missing information early (rather than at the end).

What lessons have you learned about how to effectively work with stakeholders? 

I’ve come to understand the importance of collaboration with field teams working in challenging conditions. 

I have also learned that every single stakeholder relationship matters. For instance, as we expanded one of our DRC efforts, payment processes became more complicated as we expanded into more health zones. My initial approach was focused on resolving the operational issue quickly, but I realized that the solution needed stronger engagement with local stakeholders. By involving key local representatives earlier and working with them earlier in the process, we were able to identify potential issues in advance and reduce delays.

How are you working to help make GRID3 work sustainable long after our projects have ended? 

On the operations side, I focus on making the work sustainable beyond the life of the projects by ensuring proper documentation of processes and steps so they can be effectively implemented and referenced in the future. 

For example, I have focused on:

• Improving the budgeting templates for campaign support to make it more detailed and realistic to support better decision-making during campaign implementation.
• Developing improved documentation for areas with limited access to formal banking services.
• Working with the team to make reporting more user friendly, especially for those who may not be as confident speaking English.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working? 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. Family life is very important to me, and I feel good about the balance I have between my family life and work I’m passionate about.

For Christiana, the measure of good operations work is simple: did the pieces come together so the mission could go on without a hitch? Making that invisible work hold up, campaign after campaign, is what she shows up to do every day.