Application Guide

How to Apply for Photographer/Videographer

at United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

🏢 About United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

UNIDIR is a unique autonomous UN institution focused exclusively on independent disarmament research, operating at the intersection of international security, policy, and peacebuilding. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute visual storytelling to critical global security discussions that aim to reduce arms-related violence worldwide, within the respected UN system based in Switzerland.

About This Role

This contract role involves creating professional photography and video content that visually communicates UNIDIR's disarmament research and events to global audiences. You'll be responsible for the full production cycle—from shooting high-quality footage at UNIDIR events to editing polished videos that adhere to UN branding—directly supporting the institute's mission to make complex security issues accessible through visual media.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing footage from a recent UNIDIR conference on arms control, editing video sequences while applying UN branding elements, and collaborating with researchers to ensure technical accuracy in visual representations of disarmament concepts. You'd likely balance multiple projects at different stages—from planning shoots for upcoming events to finalizing social media clips with appropriate subtitles and formats.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience shooting and editing professional video/photography for international organizations or policy-focused institutions
  • Demonstrates meticulous attention to UN branding guidelines (logos, fonts, colors) in previous portfolio work
  • Possesses technical expertise in multi-format delivery (web, social media, presentations) and audio editing (noise reduction, balancing)
  • Shows ability to maintain consistent visual style while adapting content for different platforms and audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

1

Include specific examples in your portfolio showing application of organizational branding guidelines (like UN or similar institutional style guides)

2

Highlight any experience with disarmament, security, or UN-related content creation—even if tangential

3

Demonstrate your multi-format delivery capability by mentioning specific formats you've produced (e.g., 'optimized for UN web platforms, Instagram Reels, and PowerPoint presentations')

4

Showcase your collaborative process by describing how you've incorporated feedback from stakeholders in previous institutional projects

5

Mention any experience with accessibility features like multilingual subtitles, which is explicitly mentioned in the job description

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of UNIDIR's mission and how visual storytelling supports disarmament research communication", 'Specific examples of applying institutional branding guidelines in previous roles', 'Experience with the full production cycle from shooting to final multi-format delivery', 'Your approach to collaborating with research-focused organizations and incorporating technical feedback']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → UNIDIR's current research themes and recent publications to understand their visual communication needs
  • → UN branding guidelines and visual identity standards (available through UN websites)
  • → Previous UNIDIR video/photography work on their website and social media to analyze their current style
  • → The specific disarmament and security issues Switzerland focuses on as UNIDIR's host country

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you visually represent complex disarmament concepts (like arms control verification or cyber security) to diverse audiences?
2 Walk us through your process for ensuring UN branding consistency across different video formats and platforms
3 Describe a time you had to incorporate substantial feedback from multiple stakeholders on a video project—how did you manage revisions?
4 What technical considerations do you make when producing content for both formal UN presentations and social media platforms?
5 How do you approach audio editing for events that might have challenging acoustics (like conference rooms with multiple speakers)?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a portfolio showing only commercial or artistic work without institutional/organizational examples
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of UNIDIR's specific disarmament focus (confusing it with general UN humanitarian work)
  • Not addressing the multi-format delivery requirement or assuming one format fits all platforms

📅 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 United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)!

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