About Company
The University of Rwanda (UR) is a public collegiate university in Rwanda. Established in 2013 by the merger of the country’s seven public higher education institutions, UR is committed to creating a vibrant intellectual environment, fostering innovation, and driving socio-economic development through research, teaching, and community engagement. Our Huye Campus is a cornerstone of this mission, serving as a hub for academic excellence, cultural exchange, and critical research in various disciplines. We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and generating knowledge that impacts Rwanda and the wider East African region. At UR, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for individuals to contribute to a transformative national agenda, showcasing our progress and impact visually.
Job Description
Are you a visionary photographer with a passion for storytelling and an exceptional eye for capturing the essence of academic life, research breakthroughs, and community impact? The University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, is seeking a highly skilled and creatively driven Photographer to join our dynamic communications team. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to document and visually articulate the vibrant spirit, intellectual pursuits, and significant achievements of one of Rwanda’s leading higher education institutions.
As our Creative Photographer, you will be instrumental in shaping the visual narrative of the University. Your primary responsibility will be to capture compelling images that reflect our mission, values, and diverse community – from capturing the energy of campus events, insightful lectures, and groundbreaking research activities, to showcasing authentic student life, professional faculty portraits, and impactful community outreach programs. We are looking for someone who can go beyond simple documentation, infusing their work with artistic flair, a keen sense of composition, and an innate ability to convey emotion, meaning, and the unique Rwandan context through their lens. Your portfolio should demonstrate not just technical proficiency with professional equipment, but also a distinctive creative voice and the capacity to tell powerful, engaging stories through a series of captivating images.
This role requires a proactive, self-motivated individual who can anticipate needs, work collaboratively with various departments and stakeholders across the university, and effectively manage multiple projects with varying scopes and tight deadlines. You will be expected to contribute to our visual branding and ensure consistency across all platforms. If you are passionate about education, innovation, and dedicated to using your photographic talents to make a tangible impact by showcasing the inspiring work happening at the University of Rwanda, we strongly encourage you to apply and become a part of our narrative.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality photographic content for a wide range of university communications, including website, social media, publications, marketing materials, and internal communications.
- Cover key university events, ceremonies, conferences, lectures, and workshops, ensuring comprehensive and engaging visual documentation.
- Capture compelling portraits of faculty, staff, students, and distinguished guests, reflecting their professional and personal contributions.
- Document research activities, laboratory work, and field projects to highlight academic excellence, innovation, and practical applications.
- Collaborate closely with the communications, marketing, and other departments to understand specific project requirements and deliver visuals that align with strategic objectives and messaging.
- Manage and maintain a comprehensive digital asset library, ensuring proper categorization, tagging, and archiving of all photographic content for easy retrieval and future use.
- Perform advanced post-production tasks including color correction, retouching, cropping, and other necessary edits to achieve desired aesthetic and quality standards.
- Ensure all photographic work adheres strictly to university branding guidelines, ethical considerations, including obtaining necessary consent and respecting privacy.
- Stay updated with industry trends, emerging photography techniques, and new equipment to continuously enhance personal skills and the overall quality of output.
- Provide expert technical advice and guidance on photography-related matters to university stakeholders and contribute to visual communication strategies.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 2 years) as a professional photographer with a strong, diverse portfolio showcasing creative and technical expertise.
- Exceptional proficiency in operating professional DSLR/Mirrorless cameras, a range of lenses, advanced lighting equipment, and other essential photography accessories.
- Advanced skills in photo editing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other relevant image manipulation applications.
- Strong understanding of composition, lighting principles, color theory, and visual storytelling techniques.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team, managing multiple projects concurrently and consistently meeting deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact professionally with diverse individuals and authentically capture candid moments.
- Thorough knowledge of photography best practices, ethical guidelines, and copyright laws applicable to visual content.
- Proficiency in both English and Kinyarwanda (oral and written) for effective communication within the university and local community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Photography, Visual Arts, Communications, Journalism, or a closely related field.
- Experience working in an academic institution, corporate environment, or similar large public organization.
- Familiarity with video production principles and basic editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) is considered a significant advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt photographic styles and approaches to suit different communication channels and target audiences.
- Experience with professional studio photography setups, on-location shooting, and environmental portraiture.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunity to contribute significantly to a leading national university and make a tangible impact on its public image.
- A stimulating, diverse, and intellectual work environment at the heart of academic innovation and cultural exchange.
- Generous professional development opportunities, including access to university resources and training programs.
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- The unique chance to work on projects that highlight cutting-edge research, impactful community engagement, and national development initiatives.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and observance of public holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application package. This should include a detailed cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and your creative vision, a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a compelling portfolio showcasing your best and most relevant photographic work. Please provide a link to your online portfolio or attach a PDF document. Only shortlisted candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with our requirements will be contacted for an interview. Click on the application link below to apply for the job.