Photographer

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Office of Communications (OCC) is responsible for all corporate and internal communication activities of the Organization. It ensures coherence and consistency in FAO’s corporate messaging and communications’ outputs, as well as enables cost-effectiveness in use of communication-related resources across the Organization.

The purpose of this VA is to interview and vet qualified candidates for inclusion on a roster of photographers for FAO’s Office Communication (OCC). Inclusion on a roster does not necessarily entail an offer of employment, but rostered candidates may be contacted with offers of employment at any time in the next three years, as specific needs arise.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the OCCM Multimedia Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Photo Editor, the Photographer will play a key role in supporting OCC photographic and video production to promote the Organization’s image and visibility, providing high-quality photographic coverage to meet organizational needs.

Technical Focus

Photography, multimedia production, digital assets management

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality photographic coverage of FAO events, including field visits, portraits, conferences, workshops, and high-level protocol moments, using professional 35mm digital equipment.
• Process digital files following FAO workflow and photo guidelines, ensuring metadata and English captions (event, subjects, action, date, place) are complete according to IPTC standard. Resize and distribute images upon request.
• Upload edited material to the FAO Digital Media Hub and, when applicable, the FAO Director General’s Flickr account, creating sets/collections and notifying recipients.
• Produce same day photo prints with identifying labels and deliver them to the Photo Library. Prepare labelled removable media and storage devices as required.
• Digitize analogue materials by scanning prints and film, adding metadata and captions, and uploading them to the Digital Media Hub.
• Shoot reportage and editorial assignments from the Photo Editor, including off site events and possible field missions.
• Conduct photo research and handle Photo Library requests from media and internal/external users.
• Provide photo desk services, processing mission material and photo coverage from various sources.
• Support field mission organization, including coordination with external service providers and photographers to ensure quality output.
• Operate video cameras in studio and ENG environments, when requested.
• Edit video recordings to produce b rolls and clean interview cuts, for various platforms and media, when requested.
• Provide technical advice, training, and support as needed.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
Photos should follow the FAO Photo Library Production
Guidelines\: https\://www.dropbox.com/s/pu6vckocxhlc7fc/FAO_Guidelines_for_Photo_Production_202206.pdf?dl

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants\: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communication, social sciences, journalism, political science, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs\: Technical degree/certificate in communication, social sciences, journalism, political science, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in photography, including but not limited to photo editing, metadata processing and captioning, and multimedia production.
• Working knowledge of English – level C (proficient).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Professional photographer with a minimum of five years’ experience working with international media outlets, United Nations agencies, international institutions, and/or internationally recognized photo and news agencies.
• Excellent knowledge of (a) photo production processes and formats using both digital and traditional film cameras and accessories, and (b) professional digital media workflows and rapid transmission.
• Excellent photographic skills, including shooting techniques, lighting, portraiture, and event coverage as well as documentary and news photography.
• Demonstrated excellence in photo editing, caption writing, and postproduction using specialized image editing software (Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Bridge, etc.).
• Expert knowledge of camera-related technologies, scanners, mobile photography/videography, social media photography platforms, remote transmission, FTP, etc.
• Working knowledge of multimedia production including video camera operations, video production processes, and scriptwriting. Proven experience is an asset or desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to use Apple/Mac computers and office software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with discretion, under pressure, to tight deadlines, for long hours (including shifts), and as instructed.
• Demonstrated tact and the ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds and at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to step up when needed to ensure high quality multimedia output.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines, both at Headquarters and off site.
• Availability to work full-time, and on shifts, with added flexibility required to travel and perform duties beyond FAO’s regular office hours, including weekends and holidays, when necessary.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in any or all documentary, news, and event photography and photo reportage, with both field and institutional experience.
• Experience in video production.
• Applicants must provide web links to published work and/or a personal website.
• Familiarity with UN systems and processes is an asset.
• Experience with both the back end and front end processes of the Digital Assets Management system Hub is considered a strong asset.
• Experience providing photographic services in sensitive or crisis situations and multicultural environments.
• Knowledge of other FAO languages and/or Italian is considered an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT