Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR provides protection and assistance to refugees worldwide. UNHCR currently works in more than 120 countries and helps over 43 million people worldwide; refugees or those uprooted within their own countries. The UN Refugee Agency also cares for asylum seekers, returnees, and stateless persons. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

The Refugee Photographer will report to the UNHCR Assistant External Relations Officer of Azraq Field Office, in all the relevant tasks that are described in below section. The incumbent works with a considerable degree of independence, ensuring the smooth functioning and continuity of the projects/programmes; receives directions from supervisor on technical matters and seeks guidance/information from available sources. Policy matters must be brought to the attention of the supervisor. Availability that his/her likeness appears on media, social media, photos and videos as it will be impossible for UNHCR to prevent such appearances on the public or external occasion s/he will perform duties. S/He will need to understand that her/his picture will possibly be seen on the internet. Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Additional information: Refugee UN Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,101.58; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; and • Free access to different learning platforms.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant External Relations Officer, the Refugee UN Volunteer will: 1. Capture high-quality photographs of various aspects of life in the different locations under FO Azraq, including but not limited to: a. Refugees’ daily activities and routines. b. Special events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. c. Humanitarian assistance distribution and support services. d. UNHCR personnel and partner organizations’ activities. 2. Ensure sensitivity, respect, and consent when photographing refugees and camp residents. Obtain proper consent forms, when required. 3. Collaborate with UNHCR staff and partners to identify and prioritize key areas and events for documentation. 4. Maintain high photos quality through processing the captured images until achieve desired results and improve image quality using various editing methods. 5. Submit photographs regularly to the UNHCR team for review and approval. 6. Provide captions and context for each photograph to accompany the visual documentation. 7. Respect the privacy and dignity of the individuals portrayed in the photographs and refrain from staging or altering scenes. 8. Support the organization of events (e.g. World Refugee Day) and liaise with partners, refugees and local communities on implementation. 9. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, Refugee UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UNV programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities during their work. As such, they should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities; • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Team work • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Technological Awareness

Living conditions and remarks

Azraq town is the administrative capital of Azraq district of Zarqa governorate and is located approximately 34 Kilometers east of Azraq Refugee Camp. Azraq refugee camp was opened by the Government of Jordan on 30th April 2014. The office was established in August 2013. – Compared to other governorates, working conditions in Azraq are harsh. The camp environment is semi-desert where the winters are very cold (with heavy snowfalls and torrential rains at times) and very hot/dry with extreme daily temperature fluctuations during the summer. – The basecamp hosts UNHCR’s camp management and the associated organisational units as well as implementing and other camp partners. Azraq refugee camp is the largest camp in size, but it is second to Zaatari camp in terms of number of refugees. Azraq camp registered 45,000 people of concern and hosts approximately 40,000 refugees (as of July 2023). The position is based in Azraq and the incumbent is responsible to perform works in Azraq. Compared to other governorates, working conditions are harsh. UN Security Phase – Level 2 in both Azraq camp. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A candidate living inside or very close to the camps is a plus as this will help us to achieve fast response times in case of emergencies or any urgent works. Azraq Camp is considered a unique duty station where UNHCR provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to work desert conditions are essential.