Result of Service

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES / RESULT OF SERVICE Deliverable 1 - By Mid December 2026

Briefing meetings completed
Photography requirements and schedules established for all assigned MSMEs
Photography assignments completed for at least 50% of assigned MSMEs Deliverable 2 - By End January 2027
Photography assignments completed for all assigned MSMEs
Final edited image packages delivered
Final summary report submitted

Work Location

Home-based / Freetown (Sierra Leone)

Expected duration

2,5 months - Travel within Sierra Leone will be required to conduct photography sessions with participating MSMEs. Assignments may take place in Freetown and in other provinces depending on the location of selected enterprises. Photography sessions may be conducted either on-site or at designated locations, depending on the nature of the business and photography requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) supports SMEs in developing countries by enhancing their competitiveness, promoting digital trade, and strengthening business ecosystems through initiatives such as Youth & Trade, ecomConnect, SheTrades, and tech sector development programmes. In Sierra Leone, ITC is implementing the “Empowering youth through digital technologies” project (2024-2028), which aims to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship by building digital skills, strengthening SMEs’ competitiveness, and improving support systems and policies within the digital economy. As part of this initiative, selected MSMEs will receive branding and communication support to strengthen their market positioning, improve the presentation of their products and services, and enhance their visibility across offline and digital channels. To support this component, ITC is recruiting a Photographer Consultant to produce high-quality visual content for a portfolio of 15-17 MSMEs from different sectors. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the E-commerce Programme Officer, the Consultant will undertake the following tasks: Activity 1 - Planning and Coordination (November 2026) The Consultant will:
Participate in briefing sessions with the project team and assigned MSMEs.
Review and analyse the branding and photography requirements identified for each MSME.
Coordinate with the Branding Support Consultant and other project stakeholders to understand the objectives and visual needs of each enterprise.
Develop a photography plan and schedule for each MSME. Activity 2 - Storytelling Photography and Product Photography (December 2026) The Consultant will produce visual assets for a portfolio of 15-17 MSMEs. Brand storytelling photography (for all MSMEs): The consultant will capture visual content reflecting the identity and activities of each enterprise. This may include:
Team members and founders
Workspaces and premises
Production processes
Equipment and materials
Customer interactions and business activities For each MSME, the consultant will provide:
Minimum of 20 professionally edited storytelling photographs Product photography (for product-based MSMEs only): For enterprises selling physical products, the consultant will produce professional product photos. For each MSME:
Up to 5 products maximum
Minimum of 4 professionally edited images per product showing the product from different angles. The consultant will:
Ensure consistent visual quality and composition across all images
Adapt photography style according to each MSME's business sector and identity
Deliver images suitable for websites, social media platforms, brochures, catalogues and promotional materials Activity 3 - Editing and Finalization (January 2027) The Consultant will:
Edit and retouch all photographs.
Integrate feedback from MSMEs and the project team.
Organize and label files appropriately.
Deliver final high-resolution and web-optimized versions.
Submit a brief summary report of completed assignments. ITC Communication, Visibility and Multimedia Guidelines
All communication products delivered under this assignment must comply with ITC’s visual identity, communication and visibility guidelines, particularly where materials are intended for promotion through ITC corporate or project channels or include the ITC logo.
The Consultant will review the relevant ITC Communications and Events supporting materials available.
Before undertaking any photography or multimedia activity, the Consultant will confirm with the Hiring Manager that he/she has reviewed the relevant ITC photo and video guidelines.
The Consultant will ensure that all photography material intended for publication through ITC corporate or project channels complies with ITC’s visibility and quality guidelines before the end of the contractual engagement.
The Hiring Manager will ensure that the photo material is ready for publication and compliant with ITC’s visibility and quality guidelines before the contractual engagement ends.
No new project-specific logo or project social media account shall be created under this assignment. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Bachelor's degree in Photography, Visual Arts, Communication, Media or related fields. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree. Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial photography. Experience in storytelling and product photography. Experience producing content for SMEs and businesses. Experience with professional editing software. Experience working on entrepreneurship or development programmes is desirable. A professional client portfolio must be submitted. Strong photography and visual storytelling skills Good understanding of branding and content creation Ability to work across multiple sectors and business environments Strong attention to detail Ability to manage multiple assignments and timelines Strong communication skills

Languages

Advanced English and Krio

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Photographer