National Consultant (photographer) at United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF Ghana seeks the services of an expert/photographer who can produce high-quality documentary photographs and work in all types of terrain in Ghana to support delivering results for the children. Photography plays a crucial role in UNICEF’s work. UNICEF in Ghana uses powerful images to support as well as complement its visibility efforts, these photos are used in publications, annual reports, and donor reports, and on social media platforms. The photos are also shared with other UNICEF offices around the world. The individual will be engaged as a consultant for 11.5 months but will work on a part time basis. Only Ghanaian nationals are eligible to apply

Background
Photography plays a crucial role in UNICEF’s work; its role in creating visibility cannot be understated. 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, and on social media platforms. 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 local photographers, to undertake specific tasks suited to their level of expertise.

Justification
Photography is a specialized field and even though most staff members take pictures of their projects, professional photos are essential for advocacy. Projects often need to be documented at short notice. There is a need therefore to have the services of professionals 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.

Objective
The objective of the consultancy is to provide photographic evidence of UNICEF events, field and other related activities across the 16 regions of Ghana. Consultant will be required to document the impact of UNICEF’s programmatic work in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene; health and nutrition, education, child protection, social protection, public finance and adolescent and youth participation. It may include high-level events. Consultant would work according to brief outlined by specific programme or communication manager / officer. Tasks and activities may require accuracy, patience, ability to travel and work alongside others in difficult terrain and unpredictable circumstances.

Methodology (where applicable depending on the nature of assignment)
The consultant will travel to designated places across the country if required 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 digital format, captioning and transmission terms (if applicable)

The documentary photographer will be deployed to cover the following:
Local events; such as programme launches, meetings, photo opportunities, activities in the field. UNICEF may assign the consultant to cover other events as per a brief.

Specific Tasks/responsibilities

• Scope of work for local consultants (entry level) includes launch events, meetings, field visits etc
• Scope of work for local consultant (senior level – 5 years or more) include high-profile visits, high-level events, some field visits etc.
• 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.

Deliverables and Time Frame for Submission

• 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.

Please note that the process of review towards finalization shall not attract any cost as well as the format in which it is requested. E.g. DVD or CD.
Supervision and Reporting Arrangement
The consultant 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 person of the project.

Method of contracting
Consultant will be given a contract covering duration of 11.5 months. However, assignments will be carried out on case by case basis as 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.

Payment and Payment Schedule
The consultant will be paid on a basis of negotiated daily professional fee that will be stated on the contract. Each task will specifiy number of days to be assigned and paid for from time to time and upon submission of satisfactory and certified deliverables and approval by the supervisor. Any other related cost must be negotiated and stated in the contract

Expected Qualifications, Experience, Specialised Knowledge/skills And Competencies

• Local consultants (entry level): University Diploma Five – Seven years’ experience in professional documentary photography, with appropriate demonstrated experience manifested through ability to take high quality photos
• Local consultants (senior level): University Diploma. Eight years’ experience or more in professional documentary Local consultants (senior level) should show evidence of images in international publications and participation in photography exhibitions
• Ability to be spontaneous will be an advantage (candid photography)
• Ability to deliver images according to the specified quality and technical requirements
• Experience working in rural Ghana preferable but not mandatory
• Ability to communicate with children, rural people and local authorities an advantage
• Proven ability to work with lighting indoors and cover functions will be required.
• Previous experience working with UNICEF will be an advantage

Copyright, Patents And Other Proprietary Rights (if Applicable)

UNICEF has first selection rights to all originals taken on this assignment with non-exclusive concomitant world rights in all media in perpetuity. [***For some UNICEF VIP coverage, image release or copyright may be subject to restrictions for embargo or VIP image approval reasons – to be specified in contract. ***]

At UNICEF’s request, the Contractor shall take all necessary steps, execute all necessary documents and generally assist in securing such proprietary rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

• Consultant will provide his/her own photographic equipment, materials, i.e. computer, office supplies, camera, software, hardware, insurance as well as office space.
• The reproduction rights purchased with the assignment are for "non-exclusive world rights in perpetuity"
• The contractor should provide his/her own materials, i.e. computer, office supplies, etc.
• Any assignment within the agreement will include paid DSA if overnight travel outside Accra is involved.
• Any local travels will be initiated by the supervisor and agreed with the Consultant. UNICEF will make all travel arrangements except if consultant is authorized in advance to buy tickets
• When travelling with UNICEF staff to field projects consultant will be authorized to have access to UNICEF transport following UNICEF travel rules and regulations.
• Note that final payment will be made only after completion of deliverables
• Note: Consultants in practice are external and therefore do not have a direct right to access UNICEF resources.

Policy both Parties should be Aware of

• Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
• Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
• Unless authorized, UNICEF will buy the tickets of the consultant. In exceptional cases, the consultant may be authorized to buy their travel tickets and shall be reimbursed at the “most economical and direct route” but this must be agreed to beforehand.
• Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
• Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
• The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' must be completed by the consultant upon arrival, at the HR Section
• UNICEF recourse in case of unsatisfactory performance: Payment will only be made for work satisfactorily completed and accepted by UNICEF.
• Consultants will be required to sign the Health Statement for consultants / individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical evacuation.