About Common Goal

Common Goal is a global NGO that activates the power of football to bring people together and deliver positive society-wide change.

As a football-focused network we work to connect the cultural and financial influence of the football industry with local organisations all around the world dismantling inequality and building an even playing field for all.

Through a network of 200+ community organizations across 100 countries, and engaging over 2 million young people annually, we work to enable lasting social change with a focus on Gender Equality, Climate Action and Inclusion.

About the role

We are now entering our next chapter — moving from coordination to global enablement, powered by a new Play (access to safe spaces to play football, globally), Learn (access to quality programs and education), Thrive (access to a supportive environment through enabled local organizations) outcome framework.

We are rebuilding and repositioning our MERL function to reflect our evolving strategy. This is a unique chance to lead the development of a future-ready MERL system and team that captures systemic and behavioral change, fuels adaptive learning, and strengthens Common Goal’s voice as a trusted global impact network.

Your tasks

• Co-design and roll out Common Goal’s new impact vision and outcome framework (Play, Learn, Thrive) by developing systems to capture impact while ensuring alignment with our thematic priorities: Gender Equality, Climate Action, Inclusion
• Build a decentralised, scalable MERL approach together with Common Goal’s global partner ecosystem by defining standards, developing tools, methodologies, collecting, managing and visualizing data
• Collaborate with academic institutions and researchers on research projects that explore the impact of football for good and initiate external evaluations of our initiatives to understand their results and recommend adaptations
• Facilitate internal and external learning loops to fuel strategic adaptation, embed a culture of evidence-based reflection and iteration and make MERL a strategic driver of insight
• Translate data into actionable insights and high-impact narratives, collaborating with Marketing and Fundraising teams to activate evidence and represent our impact voice in the global systems change dialogue
• Line Manage our MERL Team currently consisting of one full time colleague and a working student

Your profile

• 5 years of experience leading MERL processes – You have in depth experience owning and leading MERL processes in international, multi-stakeholder environments
• Collaboration-first — You have a strong understanding of different levels of impact, and are able to build trust across functions, communities, geographies, institutions and funding partners while maintaining productive working relationships
• MERL as an influential resource – You have demonstrated experience in using MERL for advocacy, legitimacy, and funding — not just for compliance
• Builder mindset — You bring systems to life, enjoy the creative process and bring a forward-thinking approach to tech-enabled MERL systems
• Academic fluency – You are academically fluent, especially when paired with applied, action-oriented research experience in real-world social change contexts
• Detailed orientated but comfortable with ambiguity — You bring structure and an eye for detail without waiting for perfect clarity
• Accountability – You happily own your work, outcomes, and collective processes while showcasing excellent communication and leadership skills to build a culture of evidence-based reflection and iteration and make MERL a strategic driver of insight
• Team Management experience – You have at least 2 years experience leading and line managing a team

Our offer

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements and an inspiring and centrally located office in Berlin
• 30 vacation days plus the 24th and 31st of December off and other great features to enable an optimal balance between work and personal life
• A yearly 1-day allowance to spend on volunteering work during working time
• Benefits for all employees such as visa & relocation support, monthly public transport passes, a gym allowance or home-office equipment
• Be a part of helping channel the joy of football into tangible and positive change in the world and join an impact-driven and innovative team united by a passion for football for good.
• Last but not least, join an international team of 18 nationalities, speaking more than 12 languages

How to Apply:

How to apply

Kick things off by submitting your CV via our online application form. We strive to provide a inclusive and fair recruitment process for all and therefore ask you not to submit a picture of yourself with your application. Your application will be screened against the position-specific criteria. The first step in the recruitment process will then be a first interview, followed by a presentation and a potential final call.

Common Goal is an equal opportunities employer and strongly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified and experienced people.