Job Description

Terms of Reference (TOR)

for

 Photographer

1. Who is the Danish Refugee Council?

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

DRC has been operational in Somalia since 1998 and is currently among the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in the country, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main offices and nine sub-offices in South Central Somalia, Somaliland, Puntland and Galmudug regions. Somalia is vulnerable to extreme weather patterns and remains in a protection crisis where armed conflict, insecurity and natural disasters trigger the displacement of thousands of people.  

2. Purpose of the Service

The Danish Refugee Council based in Somalia seeks proposals from a consultant to take high quality professional pictures to produce media and communication material for DRC Somalia Programme (photo essays, human stories, photo exhibitions, posters, etc).                                       

3. Background

The overall objective of this service to document and communicate humanitarian needs as well as the impact and progress of our projects, DRC requires the services of a professional photography consultancy. The selected consultancy will be responsible for capturing high-quality, engaging, and meaningful photographs that can be used for advocacy, storytelling, fundraising, and communications purposes.

4. Objective of the Service

The purpose of this consultancy is to document DRC’s ongoing projects, capture high-quality photographs. The consultant will focus on storytelling, capturing the positive impact of DRC's projects, and ensuring the dignity and privacy of individuals by following protection principles. The photographer will provide edited photographs, and relevant captions in a timely manner, maintain a comprehensive database, and collaborate with DRC's Communications team to align with branding and messaging guidelines.

The consultant will be required to take high quality pictures.

5. Scope of work and Methodology

The Consultant will be required to prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how

the objectives of the project will be achieved, and the support required from DRC.

5.1   Scope of work - The photography could be conducted in all DRC area of operations such as Baidoa, Dollow, Kismayo, Mogadishu, Beletweyne, Bosaso, Hargeisa and Berbera targeting mostly IDPs settlements, returnees and the most vulnerable host communities benefiting from the project.

5.2   Methodology - The photographer will be expected to ensure all equipment is functioning properly before each activity as well as carry batteries, memory cards, and any necessary backup gear.

6. Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

• A collection of high-quality, professional photographs that effectively capture the daily lives, challenges, and successes of the beneficiaries.
• A portfolio of photographs that tell a compelling story, emphasizing the human element and respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals and protection principles.
• A selection of photographs showcasing the positive impact of DRC's projects, with emphasis on resilience, community engagement, and sustainability.
• Informed and signed consent forms from individuals who appear in the photographs, demonstrating adherence to ethical guidelines, protection principles and DRC's standards for consent.
• Timely delivery of both raw and edited photographs to DRC, meeting agreed-upon deadlines.
• Captions accompanying each photograph, providing relevant information such as location, date, and a brief description to enhance understanding and context.
• A comprehensive and well-organized database of all photographs, easily accessible for future use and reference.
• Effective collaboration and coordination with DRC's Communications team to align the photographs with DRC's and donors’ branding and messaging guidelines.

Depending of the exact needs communicated by DRC and the assignment could follow the following timeframe:

Experiences and Qualifications

A certificate, diploma or degree in Photo production or in a field related to external communications is an added value.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in photography.

• Demonstrated experience in photography, particularly in humanitarian impact storytelling.
• Proficiency in operating professional video equipment, including cameras, and lighting
• Proficiency in photo editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom).
• Knowledge of humanitarian issues, protection principles and the ability to convey empathy and sensitivity through visual storytelling.
• Strong attention to detail, creativity, and ability to work independently or within a team.

Language requirements:

• Written and spoken fluency in Somali and English

1. Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

• Humanitarian Policy Advisor, Lubiana Gosp-Server,
• Communications Officer, Mahad Mohamed ,

2. Location and support

The Consultant will provide her/his own computer, camera, lighting and mobile telephone and all the necessary equipment. The Consultant will also be responsible and organize its transportation and accommodation for field missions, in close collaboration with DRC staff. DRC will only provide technical guidance. 

Location will depend on each specific assignment, but might happen in several locations in Somalia. DRC area of operations such as Baidoa, Dollow, Kismayo, Mogadishu, Beletweyne, Bosaso, Hargeisa and Berbera targeting mostly IDPs settlements, returnees and the most vulnerable host communities benefiting from the project.     

3. Travel

Travel will be required to different locations depending on the assignment, such as in such as Baidoa, Dollow, Kismayo, Mogadishu, Beletweyne, Bosaso, Hargeisa and Berbera. The Consultant will also be responsible and organize its transportation and accommodation for field missions, in close collaboration with DRC staff. DRC will only provide technical guidance. 

Skills Required

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