Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) - adidas Foundation gGmbH (m/f/d)

Location

Herzogenaurach | Germany

Job description

Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.

ABOUT US
Welcome to the adidas Foundation!  We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life. Learn more about us  here !

FUNDING & IMPACT

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. Our local initiatives in the greater Nuremberg area serve as a launching pad for global expansion, empowering communities around the world. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

JOIN OUR TEAM

As the adidas Foundation is celebrating its first year of operations, we are building our team to drive great impact. If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining the adidas Foundation. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.

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HEAD OF MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & LEARNING (MEAL) - ADIDAS FOUNDATION (M/F/D)

The Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) at the adidas Foundation is a pivotal leadership position responsible for designing and implementing the organization’s MEAL framework, ensuring alignment with our multi-year strategy, reinforcing evidence-based practices, and ensuring effective and compliant grantmaking. Through innovative approaches, best practices and incorporation of regulatory standards, this role is essential to enhance our accountability and effectiveness. The Head of MEAL is responsible to drive evidence-based decision-making, foster a culture of continuous learning, and ensure robust impact reporting, thus showcasing the adidas Foundation’s overall impact and contributions to our mission and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and own the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework, ensuring alignment of organizational reporting with the adidas Foundation’s multi-year strategy
• Oversee the implementation of the MEAL framework, ensuring consistency and addressing challenges, mitigate compliance risks and reinforce the adidas Foundation's commitment to evidence-based practices and regulatory compliance
• Build, lead and manage the MEAL team, making everyday decisions related to team leadership, talent retention, to ensure the team’s ability to meet milestones, KPIs and conduct effective monitoring and evaluation
• Innovate and pilot MEAL tools and approaches through collaboration with sector coalitions and adapt the framework to align with existing best practices and upcoming regulations
• Provide MEAL guidance and build capacities on MEAL best practices both internally and to external partners, including consistency in KPIs, high-quality data and effective reporting capabilities
• Lead the establishment of a learning and evidence-based culture within the adidas Foundation through suitable upskilling opportunities, knowledge sharing tools and overall alignment of programs and the foundation’s mission and objectives 
• Continuously examine and identify critical assumptions in the organizational and programmatic Theory of Change, guide research initiatives through regular monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or focus projects to secure evidence-based decision-making and effective program implementation
• Implement an impact measurement approach of both qualitative and quantitative methods and oversee the tracking and reporting of impact-related KPIs, aligning with the adidas Foundation's commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement
• Define planning and reporting approaches with high focus on tracking and data accuracy for both internal and external reporting and in close alignment with overall organizational requirements, mitigating compliance risks and ensuringtransparency and accountability
• Lead the creation of quality interim and annual reports, including the development and review of relevant policies and procedures for grantee organizations, to showcase the foundation’s results and overall impact

Key Relationships: 

• adidas Foundation's Managing Director, MEAL team, department heads and broader team
• adidas Stiftung's Board of Directors
• Program Partners, Community Representatives
• Non-Profit Organizations, Coalitions and Associations
• Funders & donors
• External vendors and consultants

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• A results driven and self-motivated team player with compassion, integrity, trust, and perseverance
• Experienced in managing and translating global MEAL portfolios and approaches for grantmaking and capacity building to diverse local contexts worldwide
• Demonstrated expertise in identification and implementation of tools, methods and best practices, well-versed in creating and implementing Theory of Change and impact measurement approaches
• A strong desire to work with diverse teams in dynamic startup environment, applying a hands-on working and adaptive management style and showcasing empathetic and empowering leadership skills, fostering talent retention and development
• Holds an extensive analytical skillset for tracking and processing diverse qualitative and quantitative data
• Strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills, showcasing adeptness in synthesizing complex information
• Exhibits sound judgment, tact, humility, and discretion in working with stakeholders and partners. Culturally savvy with extensive interpersonal skills, connecting effectively with diverse communities, stakeholders, and cultures, prioritizing trust-based relationship building
• Effective English presentation and communication skills (verbal and in written) and composure in conveying information. Additional language skills a value-add benefit

Requisite Education and Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience (e.g., Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, or equivalent)
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and overseeing global Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks, preferably in a global grantmaking and capacity-building context
• Minimum 3 years management experience
• Evidence of specialization in sports-for-good, sustainability and/or international development related topics 

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YOUR FUTURE WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Experience and thrive in a dynamic, true startup environment and be part of building a non-profit organization from day one
• Competitive compensation in line with industry standards for the non-profit sector
• Flexible work arrangements (based on 35 hours) with up to 80% remote work
• Annual leave in line with common practices & opportunity of up to 30 days' working from elsewhere across the EU and country of citizenship (based on individual work permit)
• Perks include commuter support, health & wellness benefits and individual professional development opportunities
• Continual enhancement of benefits during and beyond 2024

Please note that relocation, visa sponsorship and permanent cross-border employment are currently not possible.

APPLY TODAY
Believe you are a great fit for our team? We're excited to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter explaining why you'd love to join us and the adidas Foundation and how you can contribute to our mission. We can't wait to review your application and create a better world through the power of sport together!

Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.

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