Vacancies at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Purpose of Assignment

Multimedia professionals (photographers; videographers; photographers and videographers) to produce high-quality, detail-captioned and credited audio-visual material for the purposes of UNICEF’s advocacy, programmatic and brand output

Scope of Work: (please refer to the attached for further informationTOR - Multimedia Consultant Hire - 2023.pdf

The impact of compelling photography and storytelling through video cannot be understated. High-quality audio-visual materials play a significant role in the advocacy, income-generating, and brand-positioning of UNICEF. UNICEF Ghana Country Office is recognized globally to have a strong database of photographs and videos which are used in publications, annual reports, and donor reports, and on social media platforms around the world. Also, the videos have featured in global documentaries and received high reviews on social media.

UNICEF Ghana is currently seeking to expand its database of high-performing photographers and videographers in Ghana to undertake specific tasks to deliver impactful results for children. A consultant can either have both photography and videography skills or one of them.

Photography and videography are specialized fields, which are essential for the effective furtherance of UNICEF’s work in Ghana. The request for a photographer and/or videographer to document the activities of the busy UNICEF Ghana Country Office is one of the most popular requests received by the Communication Unit. It is necessary to have a large bank of highly professional photographers and videographers on the database to deploy them quickly, and to ensure that requests can be met for all areas of UNICEF’s work. A range of consultants also enable the office to select the individual(s) best suited for the assignment as different levels of expertise are often required.

The objective of the consultancy is to provide photographic and video evidence of UNICEF events, field, and other related activities across the 16 regions of Ghana. The consultant will be required to document the impact of UNICEF Ghana’s programmatic work in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition, education, child protection, social protection, public finance, gender, adolescent, and youth participation. It includes high-level events and documentation during emergency situations. Consultant would work according to brief outlined by specific Programme / Communication Officer or Specialist. Tasks and activities may require accuracy, patience, ability to travel and work alongside others in difficult terrain and unpredictable circumstances.

Expected Deliverables

• Videos and Images of the specific programme are uploaded to a central point virtually with access to designated UNICEF staff.
• High-resolution photos with captions, image format and transmission according to UNICEF requirements
• Videos to be captured in accordance with UNICEF brand guidelines
• Videos to be captured creatively to be used for several media and other internal tasks

Note

Due to the length of this contract (36 months), the different number of programmes involved and corporate activities requested, and their very varied nature, the consultant will be paid on the basis of negotiated daily professional fee that will be stated on the contract. Each task will specify the number of days to be assigned, (as well as the location) and paid for from time to time and upon submission of satisfactory and certified deliverables and approval by the supervisor. Any other related cost will be negotiated and stated in the contract.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• National consultants (mid-level):
  • University degree in audio visuals or in any relevant field
  • a minimum of five years’ experience in professional documentary photography or videography or both
  • demonstrated experience manifested through ability to take high quality photos and videos, evidence of international exposure would be an advantage
  • National consultants (mid-level):
  • University degree in audio visuals or in any relevant field
  • a minimum of eight years’ experience in professional documentary photography or videography or both
  • Should demonstrate experience of taking images and/or shooting videos which have been used in international publications and participation in photography exhibitions and/or video documentaries
• Additional Skills
  • Ability to be spontaneous will be an advantage (candid photography)
  • Ability to deliver audio visual products 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

• Interested candidates should apply on-line to the link provided indicate their daily in Ghana Cedis (for Ghana nationals only)
• In addition to the CV/Resume, candidates should attach
  • Videographer: ONE 2- minute video (no show reels or multiple videos, nothing beyond the requirements will be reviewed) OR
  • Photographer: Five photos – one of which should include a photo taken indoors of any subject of choice and another of a child
  • A 250-word document justifying why you are the best person for this consultancy

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit  here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles 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.

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How can you make a difference? 

The overall purpose of the consultancy is to strengthen the contribution of UNICEF to advance youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and DPG-related opportunities in Ghana, using the USL as a focus point, and to accelerate the development, management, and implementation of partnerships with key stakeholders. This supports the acceleration of GIGA in Ghana through building partnerships with telcos and exploring innovative financing models.

The consultant will serve as a resource for UNICEF on the USL, DPGA, and GIGA and will support UNICEF to implement a related development project with KOICA entitled “Accelerating entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana”.

Scope of Work: The consultant:

• Provides coordination and technical support to UNICEF’s work on entrepreneurship, social impact, innovation, digitalization and DPGs, including DPG and GIGA-related initiatives and ensures that it is strongly grounded in the experience and insights of the programmes that UNICEF’s supports.
• Maintains and expands UNICEF’s network and relationships with the technology sector, and other relevant constituencies. Develops and supports implementation of relevant partnership engagement and investment strategies, in coordination with UNICEF’s partnership function.
• Identifies DPGs that could be developed and/ or leveraged for country programme priorities, such as remote learning, connectivity, financial services, and digital skills. Defines needs and requirements for scale, including technical specifications, feasibility/ pilots and compatibility with existing systems. Works with the UNICEF Office of Innovation and through the DPGA to facilitate inter-country connections.
• Supports relevant national authorities in Ghana to adopt and adapt DPG solutions, fostering relevant partnerships and facilitating relevant cross-border and inter-organizational learning.
• Monitor and advises on the effective operation of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, including the adequacy and quality of support delivered to the portfolio of startups in-training and alumni, and the implementation of related innovation strategies, including its respective partnerships. Actively participates in and advances the development of the USL cohorts and alumni network. Supports UNICEF management in the further development of the USL.
• Engages with the entrepreneurship ecosystem with technical assistance to increase the startup portfolio and the pool of DPG candidates through the UNICEF StartUp Lab. Leverages calls for proposals by the UNICEF Venture Fund (and others) to seed fund relevant startups to further engage the startup ecosystem. Identifies and guides the candidacy of at least 3 DPGs from Ghana through USL.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• An Advanced university degree (masters or higher) in international development, international relations, social policy, communication, management science, business administration or another related field.  At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, preferably in enterprise support, venture capital investment, public-private sector engagement, strategy development, partnership building, external relations and/or leveraging resources.
• Experience in technology related partnerships and engagements, with entrepreneurship ecosystems and in the social impact space is preferred. Knowledge of the landscape for Ghanaian startup ecosystem in the technology sector is also an asset.
• Demonstrated strategic, planning, communication, research experience and very strong writing and editing skills. Demonstrated ability to plan and implement projects in coordination with multiple stakeholders. Adept at turning complex projects and concepts into easy-to-understand, accessible content. Experience and familiarity with a range of financial instruments.
•  Familiarity with emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital connectivity is a strong asset. Solid understanding of the role technology plays in the development and humanitarian sectors is critical.
•  Proven experience effectively engaging partnerships and/or developing an effective “pitch”/ advocacy message; a track record working with the business sector. Good networking and inter-personal communication skills are essential.
• Fluency in English is required. High-level ability in written English, with a reader-friendly style and demonstrated ability to translate complex information into simple and accessible text for a wide audience. Candidates may be asked to provide writing samples such as publications, articles, and/ or policy briefs.
• Strong self-management, supervision and leadership skills required. Demonstrated capacity to prioritize and manage a diverse range of partners, projects and activities. Project management skills including task prioritization, workflow coordination, and results-driven strategies
• Developing country work experience is considered as an asset. 
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

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How can you make a difference?

The Social & Behavior Change Specialist reports to the Deputy Representative for general guidance and supervision. The Specialist provides technical and operational support for developing a systematic, planned, and evidence-based strategy and process for S&BC as an integral part of programme development, planning and implementation. Through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, s/he promotes measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization. This subsequently contributes to the achievement of sustainable and concrete results in improving children’s rights, survival, and wellbeing in the country.

Key functions/accountabilities 

• Support to strategy design and development of S&BC activities
  • Conduct and/or participate in comprehensive S&BC situation analysis of social, cultural, economic and political issues in the country/region, including through national/subnational working groups or committees. Assess/synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, data and evidence to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the S&BC component of the Country Programme of Cooperation (and UNDAF).
  • Participate in country programme planning and reviews to contribute to discussions on the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior etc) to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of programme results and provide technical recommendations on approaches, strategies and plans of action for S&BC to promote behavioral and social change.
  • Prepare or provide quality assurance on materials and related documentations for S&BC strategies and plans (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF Programmes) to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.
  • Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of S&BC activities with UNICEF MTSP, CO global communications and advocacy activities and UN System development activities and initiatives at the CO level, including in humanitarian response.
• Implementation of S&BC activities
  • Collaborate with, advise and/or consult internal partners and external partners to design S&BC strategies, including formulation, production and testing materials to organize S&BC events and activities to ensure engagement and participation of key audiences, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change, including in humanitarian response.
  • Confirm/verify the technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications strategies, including materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audiences (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc). Recommend appropriate multiple media formats (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web, community networks, etc.). Oversee the production and implementation of multi-media initiatives for compliance with targets and plans that integrate the latest evidence.
  • Carry out S&BC advocacy activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage/promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self determination and participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral and cultural change to achieve sustainable programme results on children and women’s rights, equity and wellbeing. Develop/select materials and other communication tools for S&BC events.
  • Identify, establish and maintain active interaction/relations with media, academia and other strategic partners to communicate/advocate UNICEF’s competencies and achievements to ensure their engagement, interests and support in promoting social/political engagement for political action on children’s rights, and measurable changes in social and behavioral outcomes.
  • Conduct and/or participate in M & E and Evaluation exercises, including country programme previews, meetings and mid-term/annual reviews to assess/report on efficacy/outcome of S&BC on UNICEF and CO Strategic Plans/Goals. Recommend timely action to ensure the achievement of results as planned and allocated.  Integrate/disseminate lessons learned in development planning and improvements.
• Technical and operational support
  • Collaborate with internal CO, RO and/or RO colleagues to contribute to the development of strategies, approaches, policies and the planning of S&BC social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of programmes/projects implementation and delivery of results, including humanitarian response.
  • Participate in CO strategic discussions to collaborate on policy and agenda setting for S&BC advocacy and investments and related external relations and resource mobilization initiatives.
  • Participate in budget planning and management of programme funds and prepare financial plan for S&BC initiatives. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency
• Advocacy, networking and partnership building
  • Identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners, e.g. academia; social networks; celebrities, journalist, media, all sectors/levels of (socially aware) society and critical audience to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities for S&BC advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.
  • Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance S&BC outreach including in humanitarian contexts.
  • Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency (UNCT; National UN Social & Behavior Change Roundtable) discussions and planning to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues in the UNDAF planning and preparation of S&BC advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives including emergencies.
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
  • Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks for S&BC that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience.
  • Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned/products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners, and disseminate these products to key audiences including donors and partners.
  • Organize/implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/partners (government and non-government) in S&BC planning, implementation and evaluation in support of programmes/projects including in humanitarian settings.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience is required in social development programme planning, Social & Behavior Change, public advocacy or another related area.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Experience with Social & Behavior change approaches that go beyond communication and/or community engagement is desired, for instance:  Behavioral Science, Behavioral Design, Human Centered Design, Service Design, Innovation, Future Studies, Data Science, Data Analytics and Visualization, Climate Action/Sustainability, etc.)
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency preparedness and response, is considered an asset, but not strictly required.