UNESCO Roster for Creative Services: Photography & Videography

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is dedicated to building peace, eradicating poverty, and fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. Established in 1945, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a mission to promote international collaboration in these fields. The organization emphasizes the importance of education and cultural preservation, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and various partners to achieve its goals. The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, located in New Delhi, oversees programs and partnerships across several countries including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The office is committed to amplifying the visibility and impact of UNESCO's work in the region, ensuring that its initiatives are effectively communicated and understood by diverse audiences.

Job Overview:
The position involves joining a Creative Services Roster to provide photography and videography services for UNESCO's communications and public engagement activities. The selected candidates will be engaged on an 'on-call' basis, meaning there is no guarantee of assignment, but they will be called upon to document various events and activities related to UNESCO's mission. The role requires capturing high-quality images and videos that reflect the organization's work and impact across South Asia. Candidates may apply for one or both service categories: photographer and videographer. The roster will be valid from October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, and candidates must indicate their availability and regions where they can work in person. The work will involve collaborating with UNESCO staff to understand project requirements and deliver outputs that meet professional standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include capturing professional, creative, and high-quality photographs and videos that document UNESCO activities, events, and project outcomes. Candidates will coordinate with designated UNESCO focal points to understand assignment requirements, attend briefings, and deliver outputs within agreed timelines. They will cover events comprehensively, ensuring that key sessions, interactions, and interviews are documented. The role requires ensuring balanced and culturally sensitive representation in line with UNESCO's values, including gender equality and diversity. Candidates must obtain informed consent from individuals featured in their work and conduct interviews as directed. They will also be responsible for editing and processing their photographs and videos to meet professional standards, delivering final outputs in required formats, and ensuring compliance with copyright and ethical standards. Regular communication with UNESCO throughout the assignment is essential, as is meeting agreed deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree and/or professional training in photography, videography, film, photojournalism, communications, or related fields. They should have a minimum of three years of demonstrable professional experience in photography and/or videography, including event coverage and field documentation. Experience in the development sector or with international organizations is considered an asset. Strong skills in photography and videography, proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and/or Final Cut Pro are required. Candidates should also have the ability to produce social media-ready content and experience with innovative tools like drones or 360-degree cameras is advantageous. Sensitivity to cultural and social differences is crucial, and candidates must be able to work independently and efficiently under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
A university degree in photography, videography, film, photojournalism, communications, or a related field is required. Professional training in these areas is also acceptable, as it demonstrates the candidate's commitment to developing their skills and knowledge in the field of creative services.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in photography and/or videography. This experience should include event coverage and field documentation, showcasing the candidate's ability to work in various settings and adapt to different project requirements. Experience in the development sector or with international organizations is a plus, as it indicates familiarity with the context in which UNESCO operates.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in local languages of the duty station is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders during assignments.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs. The position is classified as a consultant contract at Level 2 - Middle. The roster is open to external candidates, and assignments will be undertaken on an on-call basis across India and other South Asian countries, depending on program requirements. Candidates must provide their daily professional rates for assignments in their country of residence and for travel assignments, as well as for home-based post-production/editing services. UNESCO prioritizes candidates based in the country where the assignment takes place, and all applications will be treated with confidentiality. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee assignment, and candidates will be contacted based on program needs.