The Commissioning Photography Editor is responsible for the creation, commissioning, curation and coordination of photo production projects with country offices, regional offices, freelance photographers and photo agencies. This includes generating creative multiplatform content ideas; planning and assigning photo content production; overseeing budgets and contracts; commissioning engaging photography materials for our audiences and platforms; overseeing production schedules and editorial calendars; and supervising freelancers, as part of effective content strategy and communication in support of UNFPA’s mandate and priorities. The Commissioning Photo Editor will also lead on the development of guidance on ethical photo production, diversity of representation, and more.
Organizational Setting:
This position resides within the Media and Communications Branch (MCB) and directly reports to the Head of Multimedia. The Multimedia team is responsible for high quality professional production of photography and video communication assets. These assets are featured across UNFPA’s global digital channels including unfpa.org; global social media channels, external digital media outlets and traditional media channels, as well as in our flagship publications.
Organizational Context:
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. It is the lead agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA expands choices and possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Major Activities/Expected Results:
The Commissioning Editor’s primary technical responsibility is in photography with additional support and coordination on video and interactive elements as required.
The role requires someone to inspire and engage independent photographers and agencies by articulating UNFPA communication, campaign and advocacy priorities in the creation and development of ideas that meet our audiences’ needs. By providing creative leadership in the development of photography, the role is expected to encourage risk taking and innovation whilst maintaining high ethical and quality standards and following brand guidelines.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
Conceptualize innovative and creative ideas in the commissioning, acquisition, dissemination and use of photography and other content products for UNFPA HQ. Work closely across HQ divisions and country offices to identify engaging stories to plan and deliver on content strategies for UNFPA’s communication and advocacy priorities. Consult with UNFPA stakeholders, communication and other specialists globally; with internal users of UNFPA content, including in HQ, regional, country offices; and with external users including UN and other programme partners, international media, etc. to define priority areas for programme, campaign and emergency coverage; Actively support and advise on photo research of other content producers in the Social Media, Web, Country Office support and Editorial teams. Create and curate photo assets for the global website, social platforms, major publications and campaigns Lead photo content during global emergency response communication, in close collaboration with Humanitarian teams, Fundraising teams,Regional Offices and Country Offices Create new LTAs and relationships with photo agencies and stock sites for acquisition of content worldwide Create a global roster of qualified development/journalist professional photographers based around the world; Produce, edit and supervise the researching/writing of photo captions, ensuring accuracy and descriptions in line with UNFPA policies;Create/update/maintain and promote UNFPA photography guidelines
Create and update as needed comprehensive guidelines on UNFPA photo assets – and related visual media – rights negotiations and technical procedures/requirements and advocate for their broadest practice within UNFPA and externally, as appropriate; Create, implement and disseminate guidelines and technical requirements for the acquisition and use of multimedia assets by UNFPA, and their use by external media and UNFPA partners, in line international/national laws and the highest editorial standards;Support HQ photo assignments and related work:
Oversee HQ requests for photo support including taking photos when needed, hiring of freelancers for these assignments as required, including arranging all briefings, logistics, contracts, contacts, access, etc. Ensure complete follow-up of these assignments, including the timely editing, captioning and completion of selected image acquisitions for sharing with the division or other colleagues or external partners and for their global distribution.Experience:
At least 5 years progressive experience (preferably within an international context) in creating and commissioning professional photography and other content, particularly in developing countries. Background in photojournalism, journalism, and experience in the creation and commissioning of content assets for digital platforms and marketing requirements. Background in content strategy and using multimedia assets to reach specific KPI, drive communication and advocacy objectives across social media platforms, and reach target audiences Up-to-date experience in strategic communication efforts that utilize photography to advocate for positive social change, preferably in an international context, in a rapidly evolving multimedia and multi-platform communication environment. Demonstrated track record of commissioning successful content based on a thorough understanding of genres and audience needs. Outstanding editorial judgment and passion for storytelling, along with the ability to enable creativity and innovation with supervisees and freelancers. Knowledge and proven track record in use of Digital Asset Management systems.Language requirements:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Duration of contract:
11 months (renewable). Remote work is a possibility.
How to apply?
Please apply by email to multimedia@unfpa.org with the subject “Commissioning Photo Editor” and attach a CV, motivation statement or cover letter and your work samples. See all current vacancies
This vacancy is archived.