Individual International Consultant – Photographer (6 individuals) – Retainer

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’s Pacific Office (MCO) works with governments and civil society organisations across 14 Pacific Island countries and territories to address gender inequality, empower women and build more inclusive societies. Over the last 10 years, Pacific Island countries have taken significant strides towards committing to the protection and promotion of human rights. Despite this, discrimination against women and gender inequality are widely known as the most pervasive and prevalent human rights violations in the Pacific. There remains much work ahead.

While women are increasingly active in the business sector, they are still overrepresented in the informal sector, more likely to be in low-wage or unpaid family employment, and more likely to be affected by an economic crisis, as well as climate and health emergencies. The Pacific still has the lowest global percentages of women in leadership roles, including the world’s lowest overall average of women in parliament.

And although women are now more protected by domestic violence laws passed across the region, the Pacific still has twice the global average of violence against women. When increasingly severe natural disasters strike, women face higher risks of violence and illness and decreased access to critical services like healthcare, shelter, and food. The issues that women face in the Pacific are complex and often compounding, and UN Women works to address these interlinking issues through four programme areas:

• Governance and Participation in Public Life.
• Women’s Economic Empowerment.
• Ending Violence against Women and Girls.
• Climate Action/Humanitarian Action and Resilience

The UN Women Pacific Office covers Fiji, Solomon Islands, The Republic of Marshall Islands, Palau, Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands with a presence in Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

UN Women is seeking photographers to showcase, promote, advance, and highlight it’s work in the region. The aim is to build a pool of talented individuals who can capture the essence of UN Women Pacific’s work through professional and impactful photography.  Their work will be pivotal in raising awareness and garnering support for UN Women’s initiatives across local and global audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Photography Coverage Responsibilities:

• Capture and deliver high-quality, high-resolution images of events, missions, and stories in target communities.
• Utilise a semi-professional or professional DSLR/mirrorless camera, lenses, flashes, and other necessary accessories.
• Be available for immediate travel as required to various communities, with transportation and logistical arrangements facilitated by UN Women Pacific.

Specific Photography Requirements:

• For minor assignments/events, provide a minimum of 15 carefully selected images immediately after the event.
• For major events, deliver a minimum of 30 inspiring images in electronic format shortly following the event.
• Caption each photograph with specific details including geographical location, names of individuals depicted, relevant quotes or short descriptions of their stories.
• Ensure all necessary consent forms are signed, filled out accurately, and archived according to UN Women’s guidelines.

Expected Deliverables

Event Photography Coverage:

• Comprehensive coverage of entire events.
• Delivery of edited highlight images capturing key moments.
• Portrait Sessions and Documentaries.

Portraits of key participants, speakers, and attendees:

• Edited images with captions and name identifiers.

B-roll Photography:

• High-quality shots of the venue, attendees, activities, and notable visual elements.
• Establishment of ambiance through wide shots and detailed close-ups.

Promotional Imagery:

• Promotional, stock images suitable for reporting, presentations, campaigns and social media.
• Teasers and event summaries in photographic form.

Raw Image Delivery:

• Unedited raw images of all captured content.
• Organized and labeled for easy reference.

Image Formats:

• Delivery of final edited images in specified formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
• Provision of files via a secure online platform or physical media.

Descriptions and Documentation:

• Provide descriptive details and context for each photograph.
• Ensure documentation meets accessibility and archival standards.

Review and Adjustments:

• Allow UN Women the opportunity to review and request adjustments to the selected images.
• Deliver finalised images after incorporating feedback.

Institutional Arrangement

The Consultant will be reporting to the UN Women Pacific MCO Representative, and will be supported by the Media and Communications Specialist, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

UN Women will provide the Consultant with background information, contacts and concept suggestions when required.

The Consultant is expected to work remotely using his/her own computer but may access the UN Women Office for printing of relevant documents or should he/she be required to work on-site at any point during the assignment.

Copyrights

The products will be copyrighted to UN Women and any violation of copyright law will be pursued appropriately. All photos, videos, clips etc. taken by the videographer will be credited to the name of the person as well.

Duration of the Work

The duration of this assignment will be 200 working days on a non-consecutive basis over a 36-months period of work assignment.

Duty Station

This is a remote based position.

Any travel costs outside of home-based location will be covered separately by UN Women with prior approval based on agreed upon routing and in conformity with UN Women applicable travel rules and regulations.

Performance evaluation

• Contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Financial arrangements

• Payment will be disbursed on a monthly basis upon submission of report with carried out activities and timesheets and certification by the Supervisor that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

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 Core Values and Competencies:  

 

Functional Competencies: 

Technical Proficiency:

• Mastery of camera settings, knowledge of various photography techniques, composition and framing and lighting.
• Proficiency in using editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance and retouch photographs.

Creative Vision:

• Ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas for photography projects.
• Strong visual storytelling skills to effectively convey messages and evoke emotions through images.
• Capacity to adapt style and approach to suit different subjects, contexts, and client requirements.

Attention to Detail:

• Diligence in ensuring technical precision and accuracy in capturing and editing photographs.
• Ability to notice and correct imperfections or distractions within the frame, such as stray objects or blemishes.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Effective communication skills to understand and fulfill client expectations and project requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with clients, subjects, and other stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Time Management and Organization:

• Capacity to plan and prioritize photography assignments efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
• Skill in managing workflow, equipment, and resources effectively during shoots and post-production.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Aptitude for troubleshooting technical challenges that may arise during photography sessions or editing processes.
• Ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or changing conditions while maintaining professionalism and creativity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• Masters’ degree or equivalent in photography, media, filming or other related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of progressively responsible experience at the national and/or international level may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.
• Formal Certification in Photography is an asset

Experience:

• At least 2 years (Master’s degree) or 4 years (first-level university degree) of working experience in photography, editing, and media production.
• Demonstrated experience in photographing similar projects/activities, evidenced through a portfolio/P11/CV.
• Experience working with UN agencies or other international organizations is desirable.
• Communication and media skills are advantageous.
• Proven experience in photography, especially in covering events similar to those organized by UN Women.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of photography projects, including event coverage, portraits, promotional imagery, and documentary-style photos.
• Proficiency in photography techniques, including framing, lighting, and composition.
• Expertise in photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom) and post-production processes.
• Access to and ability to operate professional-grade photography equipment.
• Ability to capture high-quality images and create compelling visual narratives.
• Innovative content creation aligned with UN Women’s branding and messaging.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to different event environments.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a collaborative approach to working with UN Women staff, event participants, and other stakeholders.
• Compliance with copyright laws and ethical standards.
• Respect for privacy rights and ensuring proper consent forms are obtained and archived.
• Offering additional services such as drone photography and live streaming is advantageous.
• Experience in the Pacific region is advantageous.

Languages:

• Good command of English both written and oral.
• Strong command of Pacific vernacular is an asset, as evidenced through P11;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, MS Office, ability to build/adapt databases using accessible software.

Note:

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.)

Evaluation:

Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

• Masters’ degree or equivalent in photography, media, filming or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of progressively responsible experience at the national and/or international level may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.  Formal Certification in Filming is an asset.
• At least 2 years (Master’s degree) or 4 years (first-level university degree) of working experience in audio-visual recording, photography, editing, and media production.

Technical evaluation of shortlisted candidates will be done through desk review of applications on the basis of responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR) as per table below. 

Interviews and/or written tests will be organised if needed only, depending on the short-listed candidates’ qualifications.

Technical Evaluation Table:

No.	Criteria		Max. points
	Masters’ degree or equivalent in photography, media, filming or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of progressively responsible experience at the national and/or international level may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.  Formal Certification in photography is an asset.	First-level university degree – 5 pts. Masters’ s qualification – of 10 pts.	10
	At least 2 years (Master’s degree) or 4 years (first-level university degree) of working experience in photography, editing, and media production.	2 years with Master degree and 4 years with first-level university degree – 10 pts, Each year over 2 (or 4) years – 2 pts each up to a max 20 pts.	20
	Demonstrated experience in photographing similar projects/activities, evidenced through portfolio/P11/CV.		4
	Experience working with UN agencies or other international organizations is desirable.		4
	Communication and media skills are advantageous.		4
	Proven experience in photography, especially in covering events similar to those organized by UN Women.		4
	Strong portfolio showcasing a range of photography projects, including event coverage, portraits, promotional imagery, and documentary-style photos.		4
	Proficiency in photography techniques, including framing, lighting, and composition.		4
	Expertise in photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom) and post-production processes.		4
	Access to and ability to operate professional-grade photography equipment.		4
	Ability to capture high-quality images and create compelling visual narratives.		4
	Innovative content creation aligned with UN Women’s branding and messaging.		4
	Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to different event environments.		4
	Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a collaborative approach to working with UN Women staff, event participants, and other stakeholders.		4
	Compliance with copyright laws and ethical standards.		4
	Respect for privacy rights and ensuring proper consent forms are obtained and archived.		4
	Offering additional services such as drone photography and live streaming is advantageous.		4
	Experience in the Pacific region is advantageous.		4
	Good command of English both written and oral. Strong command of Pacific vernacular is an asset, as evidenced through P11.		3
	Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, MS Office, ability to build/adapt databases using accessible software.		3
	Maximum Total Technical Scoring		100

The consultancy recruitment process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

How to Apply:

• Personal CV or P11 (P11 can be downloaded from: )
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page)
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials.
• Special Request: Positive testimonials from previous clients including strong references that can attest to the photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and quality of work.