Photographer for UNHCR

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The UNHCR office in Rome serves as the representation for Italy, San Marino, and the Holy See, focusing on communication, advocacy, and raising awareness about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Job Overview:
The position of Photographer for UNHCR in Rome involves producing high-quality media stories through photography that highlight the experiences of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless individuals in Italy. The selected candidates will work closely with the Communications Unit to create compelling visual narratives that can be used for both local and global advocacy efforts. This role requires a strong artistic vision, technical proficiency in photography, and the ability to work sensitively within humanitarian contexts. Photographers will be expected to deliver timely and effective results that align with UNHCR's standards and guidelines, contributing to the organization's mission of raising awareness and promoting the rights of persons of concern.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Photographer include:

• Collaborating with the Communications Unit in Rome to identify and produce photo stories that reflect the current situation of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Capturing high-quality color photographs that tell human interest stories for both local and international audiences.
• Editing and providing duly captioned images in accordance with UNHCR's photo guidelines.
• Ensuring that all images include accurate captions with essential details such as names, ages, and full stories of the subjects, embedded with appropriate metadata.
• Maintaining a professional standard of work and adhering to ethical practices in photography, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
• Upholding the confidentiality of sensitive information related to asylum seekers and refugees, as mandated by UNHCR's Code of Conduct.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications for this position include:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating technical skills and artistic vision in photography.
• Evidence of prior experience in the field of refugees and migration, showcasing familiarity with sensitive contexts and storytelling in humanitarian settings. Desirable qualifications include:
• Over 4 years of progressively responsible technical experience in photography, with a proven track record of excellence recognized by awards or professional accolades.
• Experience working with UN agencies, international NGOs, or government entities, demonstrating the ability to deliver high-quality results in complex environments.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not explicitly stated, a background in photography, visual arts, or a related field is highly desirable. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of photographic techniques, editing software, and the ethical considerations involved in documenting vulnerable populations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in photography, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian work, refugees, or migration. Experience should include both personal projects and commissioned assignments that highlight the candidate's ability to work in sensitive environments and produce impactful visual narratives.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with Italian being highly desirable. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the communities served by UNHCR in Italy.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part of a roster that will be active for three years, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The daily fee for this role is set at 300 Euros, with additional travel costs covered when missions are required. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee a contract, as UNHCR retains discretion over contract decisions based on operational needs. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates with refugee or stateless backgrounds. Interested candidates must submit a CV/portfolio, a copy of their ID or passport, and a VAT number as part of their application. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.