National Consultant Video producer

Important Note:  All applicates must include video production samples of previous work, 

 

Scope of work:

The UNFPA Arab States Regional Office (ASRO) / Regional Humanitarian Hub for Syria and the Arab States is seeking to contract a video production services provider to produce a total of five videos, each 2-3 minutes long, on various topics related to the needs of women and girls throughout Syria. Services rendered will encompass production only and will not include videography.

You will report to the Communications Specialist at the Regional Humanitarian Hub for Syria and the Arab States

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

The videos will be produced with humanitarian funding from the European Union and will leverage existing footage and visual material captured in the field, supplemented with editorial and stock footage to enhance the narrative. The videos will be published online, primarily YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Despite continuing efforts by humanitarian actors, the Syria crisis remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian and protection emergencies. In 2024, 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance—the highest number since the crisis began in 2011. This includes more than 8 million women and girls, with around 4 million of reproductive age. Additionally, over 6 million Syrian refugees remain displaced in five neighboring countries — Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt—nearly half of whom are women and girls. As the Arab region faces yet another challenging phase with multiple large-scale humanitarian crises occurring simultaneously, the narrative around the Syria crisis is shifting rapidly, affecting perceptions among key audiences. This phase is characterized by growing funding shortfalls as donor organizations priorities emerging situations, further diluting the importance of the Syria crisis and the severity of the challenges impacting Syrians throughout the region. The protracted nature of the crisis, coupled with a lack of meaningful political developments inside Syria, further contributes to waning public interest and impactful coverage. For UNFPA and other humanitarian organizations, it is imperative to highlight the severity of the crisis and the need for a concerted effort by the international community to respond. This requires amplifying the voices of those in need and underscoring the critical importance of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and protection from gender-based violence (GBV). By focusing on these essential aspects, the international community can be reminded of the ongoing needs and challenges, ensuring that the crisis remains a priority on the global agenda.

The videos are expected to meet the following standards and guidelines: 

• Resolution and Format: 4K, 24p timeline, colour corrected. 
• Aspect ratios: Both 16x9 and square cuts of each video will be required. 
• Visual and audio enhancements: the use of music, stock/editorial footage, and additional visual enhancements. 
• Production quality: Innovative, visually appealing, and impactful production techniques focused on coherent storytelling. 
• Content guidelines: The videos should effectively highlight the humanitarian needs and responses, adhering to UNFPA’s messaging and ethical standards. UNFPA will provide any scripts, key messages, or other essential information prior for each video. The consultant is expected to deliver high-quality videos that are not only informative but also emotionally engaging, effectively communicating the plight and resilience of women and girls in Syria. Below is an outline of each video for additional clarity.

The consultant is expected to deliver high-quality videos that are not only informative but also emotionally engaging, effectively communicating the plight and resilience of women and girls in Syria. Below is an outline of each video for additional clarity.

Video 1 Working title: Irreplaceable

Thematic area: General Locations: Various / Whole of Syria Services required: Voiceover recording, production, stock footage Summary: Building on the theme of “Irreplaceable,” the flagship campaign for UNFPA’s humanitarian operations in the Arab States, this video underscores the importance of partnerships like the one between ECHO and UNFPA. It highlights the irreplaceable nature of SRH and protection services being delivered, particularly in a context like Syria. The video features media from various locations served throughout Syria, including health facilities, safe spaces, recreational activities, and training programmes. The primary objective is to raise awareness of the dire needs in Syria in 2024, spotlighting the issues facing women and girls and emphasizing the shared vision of UNFPA and ECHO. Voices included will be those of people served, service providers, and UNFPA and partner staff on the ground

Video 2 Working title: Building Lifelines 

Thematic area: General Locations: Various / North-West Syria Services required: Voiceover recording, production, stock footage Summary: This video shines a spotlight on northwest Syria, highlighting the severity of the needs and the critical importance of this program in addressing observed challenges. It emphasizes the unique circumstances of northwest Syria and the necessity of providing tailored localised services. The narrative underscores the essential role of partnerships, such as the collaboration with ECHO, in achieving key objectives. The video illustrates how cross-border operations in Syria are essential to ensuring that women have access to SRH services and are protected from gender-based violence. The ongoing crisis poses numerous challenges, including limited access to healthcare, displacement, and increased risk of violence. UNFPA’s cross-border operations enable the provision of vital assistance to women in areas where access to life-saving services is limited or non-existent. By focusing on the specific needs and unique aspects of this region, the video demonstrates how targeted efforts and strong partnerships can significantly improve the lives of those affected. 

Video 3 Working title: The Hand that Delivers 

Thematic area: SRH Locations: SRH Facility / North-West Syria Services required: Production, stock footage Summary: This video showcases the impact of a transformative midwifery training programme in north-west Syria, highlighting its role in improving maternal healthcare through compelling visuals and testimonials. Opening with scenes of midwives caring for pregnant women and newborns, the video briefly introduces its purpose before depicting the challenges of maternal healthcare in the region, including limited access to skilled birth attendants and inadequate resources. Viewers witness the training programme in action, featuring midwives engaged in classroom sessions, hands-on clinical training, and continuing education. Interviews with midwives share their experiences and newly acquired knowledge. Success stories demonstrate how trained midwives are making a difference, supported by testimonials from grateful patients. The video explores the programme's potential long-term impact on maternal healthcare outcomes, emphasizing the need for continued investment. It concludes with a message of gratitude to donors and a call for ongoing support to improve maternal healthcare in northwest Syria. Throughout, the narrative underscores the vital role of midwives and the power of targeted training in enhancing maternal healthcare, blending informative content with emotional appeal to inspire continued support for this crucial initiative

Video 4 Working title: A Space to Heal 

Thematic area: SRH / General Locations: Reproductive Health Clinic / Douma, Rural Damascus Services required: Production, stock footage Summary: This video spotlights a UNFPA-supported SRH facility, featuring interviews with both the people served and the staff. One interviewee is a 52-year-old divorced woman who shares her story. She initially visited the clinic due to gynaecological issues and stress caused by verbal and social abuse from her ex-husband. Upon examination, the medical team discovered severe general fatigue, anaemia, hormonal disturbances, and recurrent gynaecological complaints. Ultrasound examinations revealed underlying pathologies, including cystic ovaries requiring urgent intervention. She received necessary medications and continues to follow up with the clinic. Additionally, she utilized the women and girls' safe space, was referred to a psychiatrist, and participated in psychosocial support sessions, resulting in improved health. The video addresses the importance and life-saving nature of SRH services, their integration with GBV services, and how the partnership with ECHO ensures that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

Video 5 Working title: Transcending Norms 

Thematic area: Protection / Social Norms Locations: Women & Girls Safe Space / Douma, Rural Damascus Services required: Production, stock footage Summary: Focusing on themes of protection, empowerment, and challenging harmful social norms, this video features an interview with Sarah (name changed), a woman served at a Safe Space in Rural Damascus. Sarah, 43, grew up in an environment that limited women to housewives with no rights to education, work, or choosing a partner. Her family faced multiple challenges: her father passed away, her sister was widowed with five children, and both her mother and Sarah were disabled due to polio. Marriage opportunities were scarce due to her health and family conditions. Feeling oppressed and deprived of her rights, Sarah sought a new life at 33 after her mother's death. Struggling to find work, she eventually found employment at a sugar factory, met a widower with two daughters, and started a family. Eager to learn and work, Sarah discovered the UNFPA and ECHO-supported Safe Space in Douma. There, she received psychological support and attended awareness sessions. Her passion for sewing led her to a fashion design course where she excelled and boosted her self-confidence. Sarah's life changed as she developed communication skills and achieved her sewing goals. She now plans to join a literacy course to fulfil her dream of education. Despite challenges, Sarah remains passionate and committed. The video also includes insights from service providers, contextualizing life in Syria for women and girls and underscoring the importance of the partnership with ECHO in safeguarding the lives and rights of women and girls throughout Syria

Duration and working schedule: 8 Weeks 

Place where services are to be delivered: Amman, Jordan

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

• Production should commence on August 25, 2024, for a period of 8 weekS
• Regular briefing and status update meetings
•  Concept notes, summaries, scripts, and/or storyboard for each video will be provided prior to production

Supervisory arrangements:Production will be supervised by the Communications Specialist at the Regional Humanitarian Hub for Syria and the Arab States

Expected travel: None

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable: n/a

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  Master's  Degree - 5 year(s) of Relevant experience  OR Bachelor's  Degree - 7 year(s) of Relevant experience

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Five to Seven years of experience in video production, with a rich portfolio of past projects to demonstrate skillsets.
• Experience in humanitarian and development projects, particularly in producing videos for organizations addressing sensitive issues like gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and protection services.
• Technical proficiency with advanced skills in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Davinci Resolve, and using motion graphics and visual effects software where necessary.
• Experience with 4K video production and colour grading.
• Strong storytelling abilities, capable of conveying complex issues through compelling narratives, and experience creating emotionally engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Creative and visual skills, including the use of innovative and visually appealing production techniques, and experience in integrating stock/editorial footage and additional visual enhancements to support the narrative.
• A deep understanding of cultural contexts in the Arab States, particularly Syria, with the ability to work respectfully with diverse communities, including vulnerable populations.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines while working collaboratively with teams, including remote coordination.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating relevant work in video production for similar projects and positive references from previous clients or employers in the humanitarian or development sector. 

Languages:

Fluency in English, with proficiency in Arabic highly desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.