UN Women International Consultant - 7000 Photos & Participatory Photography Projects, Home Based Retainer, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

UN Women Cambodia Office focuses its programme actions on contributing toward the achievement of planned outcome results that are in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as well as global Strategic Plan outputs and outcomes of the UN Women. In doing so, the high level actions include the provision of support to the government, women organisations as well as gender advocate movements/networks to address gender inequality causes through the development of the fourth National Action to Prevent Violence Against Women (4th NAPVAW) and its monitoring framework, building national understanding of Women Peace and Security, development and implementation of policies, tools and standard procedures for more gender-responsive actions in climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR) and labour governance, the transformation of negative social norms via strengthening community-based women networks and movements and advocacy by using a normative framework such as CEDAW, Security Resolution 1325, Sendai and Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Two programmes of UN Women are included in the scope of this Terms of Reference.

EmPower Phase II (2023-2027): Women for Climate-resilient Societies is a unique partnership between UN Women and UN Environment Programme that aims to ensure that climate action and disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific respond to gender equality and human rights. EmPower phase II (2023-2027) was built on successes and lessons learnt of the phase I and aims to scale up for regional implementation and generate new regional commitments and national policies, financial mechanisms and tools, methodologies, evidence, and knowledge to further impact. The project will contribute to the overall Impact: “People in Asia-Pacific are less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and experience greater gender equality and the full enjoyment of their rights, including equal access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.” EmPower aims to achieve the outcomes below:

• Outcome 1: Asia-Pacific actors increase action on gender responsive climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Outcome 2: Women in all their diversity and other marginalized groups are represented as key environmental actors in climate and DRR decision-making
• Outcome 3: Women and other marginalized groups in Asia-Pacific secure climate-resilient livelihoods

EmPower approach is to expand decision-making spaces, raise awareness and support the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) in the context of climate change and disaster. This includes empowering women and girls through amplifying their voice and sharing their stories. EmPower has sought to not only explore women experience as the passive victims of the climate change and disaster but as change agents and the leaders for climate change action and disaster management. As part of the EmPower phase II Program, UN Women Cambodia is implementing a participatory photography project with youth group and women living in rural areas. The intent is to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Climate Change to their daily lives and how they have actively engaged in the actions addressing the issues. The project seeks to explore the potential of photography as a means for youth group (young women) and rural women to document their experiences as they are living through and engage with their natural and social environment. The project is built on feminist and participatory principles, focusing on participating women’s agency and is designed not simply to extract information from participants but also to provide them with skills in self-expression, reflection and critical thinking. At the same time, it is envisaged that participants’ photos will deepen and enrich understanding of the intertwined impact of climate change to women group’s lives and experiences. They have so far documented their lived experiences through photographs that captured climate change impacts, disaster, risk, resilience, and community leadership. As they explored connection of their lived experiences and visual stories with the broader ideas of women’s leadership in climate actions, and how to use their photos as a means of conveying messages, they co-created plans for dissemination activities which included national and regional photo exhibitions, photo competitions, community workshops, and leadership dialogues to share their powerful narratives and expressed their commitment to lead in community-based advocacy.

Ensuring Decent Work and Reducing Vulnerabilities for Women and Children in the Context of Labour Migration in Southeast Asia: Protecting the Right of Women and Children in the SEAN region 2024-2026 (PROTECT) by promoting decent work, preventing and responding to violence against women and children, and reducing vulnerabilities of women and children in labour migration, including the prevention of trafficking. The project aims at:

• Strengthening national legislation, policies, and regional frameworks for the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children in the context of labour migration, in line with international standards. 
• Improving national and regional capacities and mechanisms for rights-based, gender and child- responsive policy implementation, service provision, and prevention efforts to reduce risks of abuse, exploitation, violence and harassment of at-risk groups especially women and children in the context of labour migration, including trafficking and smuggling
• Increasing the access of at-risk groups, women migrant workers and children to information, social and legal services, counseling, and association to prevent abuse, exploitation, harassment, violence and trafficking in human being.

Building on lesson and good practice from the Safe and Fair Programme, the project will address important gaps with respect to protecting the rights of women migrant workers to a life free from labour exploitation and violence, adopt a multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral approach to benefit migrants in vulnerable situations, adopt a regional approach working with ASEAN and a corridor approach within Southeast Asia, supporting cross-border knowledge exchange and stakeholder networking, strengthen coordination and collaboration between stakeholders, and strengthen access to basic services for children in the context of migration. The project approach will include cross-border and migration corridor approach: Cambodia - Thailand; Indonesia – Malaysia; as well as emerging migration routes into Cambodia and Thailand (in relation to trafficking for forced criminality into scam operations). This project implemented by ILO (lead), UN Women, UNODC and UNICEF.

Under PROTECT, the 7000 Photo Project has been developed on the outcomes of the Participatory Photography Project with Women Migrant Workers (PPWMW) which formed a significant part for Safe and Fair Project (2018-2023) now called PROTECT. It is a continuation of a model of participation derived from women migrant workers (WMW) key asks and the dissemination of knowledge based on their lived experiences. To continue this work, it requires a series of activities to provide capacity building of women participants to engage in different form of discussion/dialogue with community members and male group to communicate their experiences. The proposed activities that need the consultant support the analysis of data collected through the Photolanguage approach with different community groups, engaging universities to establish peer networks among students, and developing a human-interest story that reflects their involvement in understanding social norms, gender equality, violence against women, and the broader cycle of labor migration.

In this regard, UN Women Programme office in Cambodia is seeking a service of an international consultant to work closely with the respective programme team and a national consultant to lead and provide technical support to the delivery of 7000 photos and participatory photography projects. Under PROTECT programme, the international consultant will play a key role in providing coaching support to partner organizations, the steering group, and peer networks, while coordinating with university leaders to support the rollout of the Protolanguage approach and the capitalization of the Photolanguage initiative. Under EmPower programme, the international consultant will be working closely with 3 women cohorts in participatory photography project to engage them in the co-design of project activities, photography competition, dissemination and exhibition the result of the participatory photography. The consultant will report to Programme Analysts of the 2 Programmes, who will be the point of contact of the contract and payment issues, with support from Programme Associate.

Description of Responsibilities/Scope of Work

Under EmPower, UN Women is seeking the services of an international consultant to provide technical expertise for the design and implementation of key initiatives in the participatory photography project – photo competition, dissemination, and exhibition - with young groups and women living in climate change-induced disaster risk area. The key responsibilities of the consultant will be as follows:

• Provide technical support to guide the photo competition process – judging, selection of winners, and dissemination activities to ensure that it complies with competition guidelines and ethical standards
• Lead the design of the national photo exhibition to disseminate and exhibit the outcome of photography competition and participatory photography project. This includes leading the development of a concept note for the dialogue to be conducted alongside the exhibition, provides a technical review of a press release, and an event information sheet.
• Provide technical guidance and support to participating women groups to conduct regional photo dissemination and exhibition at the sub-national level.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide inputs to knowledge products, including case studies, participatory photography outputs, lessons learned, good practices, and other project documentation. 
• Provide technical advice and participate in meetings, consultations, and other assignments related to participatory photography, photo exhibitions, and knowledge dissemination, as requested by UN Women.

Under the PROTECT Project/7000 Photo initiative, the international consultant will lead strategic capacity building for partner organizations and coordinate university engagement with leaders and students. The consultant will strengthen women’s peer networks and establish male student peer networks to advance gender equality. In addition, the role includes analyzing the Photolanguage approach used under PROTECT and producing human-interest stories from each target group.

The key responsibilities of the consultant will be as follows:

• Develop a concept note to engage with the university leaders and student for theory support and engagement in male student peer groups/networks to promote gender equality, ending violence against women including Technical-facilitate gender-based violence (TFGBV). The initiative will highlight the agency and advocacy of women migrant workers in advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women, both online and offline, through key advocacy campaigns and commemorative events such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, International Women’s Day, and International Migrants Day.
• Conduct analysis of data collected from dialogues with men and women migrant workers in target community and present the key findings to inform project implementation and learning purpose. Draft findings highlighting key themes and lessons learned to validate with the partner (CWCC)
• Develop concepts and provide technical input for a human-interest story responding to the Protolanguage approach.

Final Products and Deliverables

PROTECT

• A concept notes and report on engaging with university leadership and students to build peer networks among university students and youth networks
• An analysis on the application of the Protolanguage approach under PROTECT reflecting all different target groups with lesson learned and recommendations for resource mobilization beyond PROTECT and inform project implementation. This includes PowerPoint presentation and narrative report.
• Two to three human-interest stories from each target group engaged in the Protolanguage approach
• A concept and report on peer network engagement with students, youth network, relevant stakeholders and reflecting women migrant workers’ agency and advocacy to drive gender equality and ending violence against women both online and in-person during certain occasions such as 16 Day Activism, International Women's Day, and International Migrant’s Day. 

EmPower

• Provision of technical assistance in leading photo competition process from shortlisting till completion.
• Delivery of technical guidance to design and support the successful implementation of national and regional exhibitions.
• A technical review on a case study developed for showcasing results from participatory photography project covering lesson learnt and recommendations

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy is estimated at a maximum of 100 days cover the period of week 1 of August 2026 - 31 December 2027. As part of this assignment, there will be a maximum of 2 trips to Cambodia. For in country or overseas assignments, UN Women will be responsible for the accommodation and travel expenses if any cost is incurred during the assigned period. The consultant will be engaged under a retainer contract, which facilitates direct engagement of the consultant depending on need and availability within the contract period for a pre-agreed fee.

UN Women will not be committed to purchasing any maximum quantity of the services, and purchases will be made only if there is an actual requirement upon the issuance of a Purchase Order based on this retainer contract. UN Women shall not be liable for any cost in the event that no purchases are made under this retainer contract.

The expected number of workdays for each deliverable will be discussed between the consultant and UN Women on a case-by-case basis. Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of a deliverable or as agreed between the consultant and UN Women. 

With UN Women’s guidance, the consultant might also engage with government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors, civil society and the private sector and programmatic partners. A workstation will be provided to the consultant to ensure effective consultation and support. The Consultant will bring his/her own personal computer to conduct this assignment. With the facilitation of the programme team, the consultant will also be expected to engage with external stakeholders.

Schedule of Payments

Payment will be made monthly, 10 days after the submission of monthly claim. The amount paid will be based on the number of days within the month that the consultant has done the assignment.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrated expertise in photography and participatory/community photography, with the ability to provide technical guidance, facilitate capacity-building, and support participatory learning processes. 
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with experience using participatory and inclusive approaches to engage diverse stakeholders, build partnerships, and foster collaborative action. 
• Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, communities, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and development partners. 
• Strong understanding of gender equality, women's rights, social inclusion, and their application in participatory methodologies and visual communications. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Cambodia's social, cultural, and political context, particularly in relation to gender equality and women's empowerment. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality knowledge products and facilitate dialogue with diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, discretion, tact, and cultural sensitivity when working with implementing partners and national and international stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. 
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, promote knowledge sharing and a learning environment, and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

Education and certification

• Master’s degree or equivalent in photography, media or other relevant discipline is required
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in participatory photography, including elements of practice, teaching and analysis.
• At least two years of work experience in teaching or training in photography, visual storytelling, or other relevant discipline.
• Experience in engaging with marginalized people and communities in photography.
• Experience in making and analyzing photographic images in the South-East Asian cultural context and experience in Cambodia would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in collaborating with development practitioners such as CSOs, UN organizations.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English is required. 
• Khmer language ability would be an advantage.

EVALUATION

Applications will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis:

• Technical qualification (100 points); weight: (100%)

Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidates who may be contacted for validation interview.

V. How to Apply

• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page)
• Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide relevant sample work/report to demonstrate practical experience in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, or presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials/documents may be asked for from the shortlisted candidates only.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.