Application Guide

How to Apply for Photographer/Storyteller Consultant

at Seva Foundation

🏢 About Seva Foundation

Seva Foundation is a global nonprofit that has restored sight to over 70 million people since 1978, focusing on preventable blindness in underserved communities. Working here means contributing to life-changing impact through storytelling that drives awareness and funding for eye care programs worldwide.

About This Role

This role involves traveling across four districts in Uganda to capture powerful photo and video stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Seva's eye care services. As a Photographer/Storyteller Consultant, you'll produce 3-5 impact stories that humanize the organization's work and inspire donors, making you a critical bridge between the field and global supporters.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with an early drive to a remote village, meeting with local health workers to identify patients. You'll spend hours interviewing and photographing individuals, capturing both clinical and personal moments, then return to edit and draft narratives in the evening, ensuring all consent forms are signed before uploading.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Seva Foundation

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Seva Foundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned photographer/videographer with 2+ years of experience shooting in remote or field settings, comfortable with unpredictable conditions and cultural sensitivities.
  • A skilled writer and editor who can craft concise, emotive narratives that complement visual content, with a portfolio demonstrating both photography and storytelling.
  • Proficient in professional editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Premiere Pro) and experienced with obtaining consent and managing permissions in cross-cultural contexts.
  • Self-sufficient and adaptable, able to plan logistics for field visits across multiple districts in Uganda while maintaining high production standards.

📝 Tips for Applying to Seva Foundation

1

Submit a portfolio that includes at least one example of a full impact story (photos, video, and written narrative) from a nonprofit or development context.

2

Tailor your cover letter to mention specific Seva Foundation programs or success stories you've researched, showing you understand their mission and approach.

3

Highlight any experience working in East Africa or similar low-resource settings, as well as your ability to navigate local languages or translators.

4

Include a brief project plan in your application: how you'd approach capturing stories across 4 districts, including timeline and equipment strategy.

5

Demonstrate familiarity with ethical storytelling practices, such as obtaining informed consent and avoiding exploitative narratives.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for using visual storytelling to drive social impact, especially in global health or eye care.', 'Specific examples of field-based projects where you captured compelling stories under challenging conditions.', "Your understanding of Seva's work and how your stories can amplify their reach and fundraising efforts.", 'Your ability to work independently, manage logistics, and deliver high-quality content on a tight deadline.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Seva's latest impact reports and case studies to understand their storytelling style and key messaging.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the specific eye conditions they treat (e.g., cataracts, trachoma) and their prevalence in Uganda.
  • → Learn about Seva's partnerships with local organizations in Uganda and the cultural context of the four districts mentioned.
  • → Review their social media and blog to see how they currently share stories and identify gaps your work could fill.
Visit Seva Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach gaining trust and obtaining consent from community members in rural Uganda?
2 Describe a time you had to adapt your photography or storytelling plan due to unexpected field conditions.
3 What ethical considerations do you prioritize when documenting vulnerable populations?
4 How do you balance capturing authentic moments with the need to produce polished content for donors?
5 Can you walk us through your process for editing a photo essay and video from raw files to final delivery?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic portfolio without a clear narrative thread or connection to nonprofit work.
  • Overlooking the need for consent forms and ethical guidelines; failing to mention them shows lack of preparedness.
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity in your application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Seva Foundation!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →