International Consultant ( Documentary Photographer) Accra, Ghana

UNICEF is seeking a committed and very experienced professional documentary photographer with skills that create strong images that can be used as tools of advocacy. The individual will be engaged as an international consultant on an open long term contract for 11.5 months. This assignment will require field travels outside of Accra. Only non-Ghanaian candidates are eligible to apply.

Background

Photography plays a crucial role in UNICEF’s work; its role in creating visibility cannot be underestimated.  UNICEF Ghana uses powerful images to support as well as complement its visibility efforts, these photos are used in publications, annual reports, and donor reports, photos are also required to support our work in social media. The photos are also shared with other UNICEF offices around the world.

Having a group of dedicated consultants will ensure that the lengthy bidding process is avoided and there is uniformity over the final output. It is expected that the request for proposals will help the office contract the services of high performing photographers with international exposure, based in or out of Accra on a long-term basis.

Justification

Documentary photography is a specialized field and even though most staff members take pictures of their projects, professional photos are essential for high-level advocacy to make the most impact. Projects often need to be documented at short notice.  There is a need therefore to have the services of professionals with international experience under contract so that they can be deployed quickly should the need arise.

Getting consultant(s) on a long term arrangement enables the office select the best individual(s) best suited for the assignment as some of the projects require different levels of expertise.

Specific Tasks/Scope of work

• High quality documentary photography per UNICEF standard rules as outlined in the Branding Toolkit and photographic guidance. The coverage will be in Ghana on a range of different assignment/subjects in digital and original format per a brief.
• Descriptive captions for all broad edit photos from central characters/subjects in the photo coverage serving to tell a first-person story; quotes from a more personal nature from photo coverage character/subjects directly addressing the camera
• Submit to UNICEF broad edit of photographs with specifications including photo format, transmission if required, captioning etc., following terms as described in UNICEF Digital Format for transmission terms.

• Submit with the pictures release forms signed by subjects.

   

  Methodology

  The consultant will travel to designated places across the country to take high quality photos according to a brief. The photos will be guided by international photography norms that protect children’s identity in both the making and the use of images of children.

  The consultant will seek community entry as well as engage families, guardians and caregivers in order to be given the consent to photograph minors where it is required.

  The Consultant will follow the UNICEF standard guidance with regard to digital format, captioning and transmission terms.

  The documentary photographer will be deployed to use:

• first person narratives visual story telling with captions and quotes
• Programme coverage with distribution platforms in mind

• Everyday voices- portraits of people directly addressing the camera on various UNICEF programmes in country.

   

The Documentary Photographer with international exposure will be also be assigned to cover the following:

Special missions including campaigns, NYHQ visits, documentation for donor visibility, Goodwill Ambassadors and National ambassador’s field visits, image documentation for reports and for pitching to various stakeholders and visibility to project the office externally.

NOTE:  Although this contract will be awarded for 11.5 months duration, consultant will not be engaged on full time during the 11.5 months period.  Consultant will be called upon to carry out specific tasks for short durations as the need arises for which payment will be made on the basis of daily professional fee stipulated in the contract.

Expected Deliverables

Two copies (DVD) of selected original photo images in print /slide or appropriate digital format

• Upload images to central point virtually with access to designated UNICEF staff

• Captions, image format and transmission (if applicable) for each photo according to UNICEF requirements.

  
  Reporting

The consultant will regularly consult with the Communication Manager.  He/she will have at least two meetings with the focal person of the project and the Communication Manager and / or the relevant Communication Officer. Delivery of the product will be to the Communication Manager and the focal persons of the different projects. 

Qualification or specialised knowledge/experience required

• Minimum of 8 years experience in professional documentary photography
• University degree in communication, photography or related field of study.

 Exceptional Clause: Qualification less than a Bachelors will require a minimum of 10 years experience.

• Ability to be spontaneous will be an advantage (candid photography)
• Experience working with UNICEF or comparable international organisation an advantage
• Experience working as a Documentary photographer in different countries including Africa
• Ability to deliver images according to the specified quality and technical requirements.
• Evidence of images in international publications and participation in photography exhibitions an advantage
• Evidence of technical knowledge required (Preferably courses taken to substantiate knowledge on photography
• Experience working in rural Ghana preferable but not mandatory
• Ability to communicate with children, people in rural communities and local authorities an advantage

General Conditions, procedures and logistics

• The remuneration will include professional fees and DSA if travel within regions is required
• Consultant will provide his/her own photographic equipment, materials, i.e. computer, office supplies, camera, software, hardware, insurance as well as office space.
• Consultant will have access to UNICEF transport if required.
• Flight costs will be covered if work will be done in places accessible by domestic flights
• The reproduction rights purchased with the assignment are for "non-exclusive world rights in perpetuity"

Interested candidates should please apply on-line.  Please indicate your ability, availability and daily professional fee (in US$) to undertake this assignment (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.  Also attach samples of previous work.  Non-Ghanaians based in Accra are encouraged to apply.