About Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), MSF has a significant and long-standing presence, providing vital medical and humanitarian assistance in various provinces, including Sud-Ubangi. Our teams work tirelessly in challenging environments, often in remote areas, to provide primary healthcare, malnutrition treatment, maternal and child health services, and respond to disease outbreaks. Joining MSF means becoming part of a committed global network dedicated to saving lives and alleviating suffering.
Job Description
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Photographer to join our dynamic team in Gemena, Sud-Ubangi Province. This pivotal role involves capturing compelling visual stories that highlight the humanitarian impact of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) projects and the resilience of the communities we serve. As a Photographer, you will be instrumental in documenting medical activities, health awareness campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and capturing professional portraits of our dedicated staff and, with utmost respect and consent, the beneficiaries of our aid.
Your work will blend both ‘event’ and ‘studio’ photography aspects in a unique humanitarian context. You will spend significant time in the field, documenting our interventions in various challenging environments, from medical consultations and vaccination drives to health education sessions and emergency responses. You will also be responsible for more controlled ‘studio’ style photography, which may involve capturing portraits, still life of equipment, or specific programmatic visual assets in a designated space. The visual content you create is crucial for MSF’s external communications, advocacy efforts, fundraising campaigns, and internal reporting, helping us to share our mission and the needs of the populations we assist with a global audience.
This position requires a high degree of cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a strong commitment to ethical photography practices, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. You must be able to work independently, make quick decisions in fast-paced environments, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. You will play a vital role in visually narrating the stories of human dignity and survival against all odds, contributing directly to MSF’s mission of providing impartial medical humanitarian assistance. This is more than just a photography job; it’s an opportunity to use your craft to make a tangible difference in the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and execute professional photo shoots in various field locations and designated indoor settings within Gemena and Sud-Ubangi Province.
- Document MSF's medical activities, including clinics, hospitals, nutrition centers, and community outreach programs, ensuring visual accuracy and narrative strength.
- Cover key events such as health campaigns, community engagement sessions, workshops, and official visits.
- Capture compelling and respectful portraits of MSF staff and, with strict adherence to consent protocols, beneficiaries.
- Perform comprehensive post-production work, including photo selection, editing, color correction, and captioning, using industry-standard software.
- Manage and maintain a digital asset library, ensuring proper tagging, metadata, and secure archiving of all photographic content.
- Maintain all photographic equipment in excellent working condition, performing regular checks and basic maintenance.
- Adhere strictly to MSF's ethical guidelines, communication protocols, and safeguarding policies, especially concerning patient confidentiality and child protection.
- Collaborate closely with the communication and project teams to understand visual needs and align photographic content with overall communication strategies.
- Provide technical support and guidance on photography best practices to other team members as needed.
- Travel regularly to remote project sites within Sud-Ubangi Province, often under challenging conditions.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) as a professional photographer with a strong portfolio showcasing event and portrait photography.
- Expert proficiency with professional-grade DSLR/mirrorless cameras, lenses, and associated photography equipment.
- Advanced skills in photo editing software, particularly Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of visual storytelling, composition, lighting, and depth of field.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and cross-cultural interaction skills.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, empathy, and discretion when working with diverse populations in vulnerable situations.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment.
- Fluency in French (written and spoken) and Lingala (spoken) is essential.
- Ability to adapt to challenging living and working conditions in remote areas.
- Commitment to humanitarian principles and MSF’s ethical framework.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working in a humanitarian, non-profit, or international development context.
- Experience with video production and editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) is a significant advantage.
- Formal education (diploma or degree) in Photography, Photojournalism, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field.
- Knowledge of local customs and traditions specific to Sud-Ubangi Province.
- Experience in training or mentoring others in photography skills.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A chance to contribute to a meaningful and impactful humanitarian mission.
- Work within a diverse, multicultural, and supportive international team.
- Access to psychosocial support resources.
- Challenging and rewarding work environment.
How to Apply
If you are a talented photographer with a passion for humanitarian work and meet the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), a compelling cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, and a link to your professional online photography portfolio. Ensure your portfolio effectively showcases your event and studio work, particularly any experience in challenging environments. Applications should be sent directly to the email address provided below. We look forward to reviewing your application and seeing your work.