Project Locations: Andijan and Fergana regions, Uzbekistan
Tentative Timeline: June – September 2025
Type of Contract: Short-term contract / Service agreement

1. Project Background

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in preventing and addressing many of the challenges faced by communities in the Fergana Valley. These organizations possess a deep understanding of local realities and share a commitment to promoting peace along the border and collaborating with counterparts in neighboring countries. However, CSOs also face multiple challenges such as limited funding, restricted access to resources and capacity-building opportunities, and a lack of platforms for cross-border collaboration and engagement.

The aim of this project is to help bridge these gaps by strengthening the institutional and programmatic capacity of CSOs and expanding cooperation among civil society actors in the Fergana Valley. This will enable the implementation of inclusive, community-driven peacebuilding initiatives with cross-border and regional relevance, contributing to the prevention of violence and fostering resilience, stability, and prosperity.

The small grants component specifically aims to enhance the capacity of selected CSOs by supporting the implementation of action plans that help prevent risks and negative phenomena affecting peace and sustainable development in local communities of the Fergana Valley.

2. Objective of the Assignment

To produce high-quality visual content (photography and video) that documents the processes and outcomes of CSO-led initiatives. This includes the engagement of youth and women, active community participation, cooperation with local authorities, and key achievements. The materials will be used for reporting, promotion, communications, social media, and archival purposes. Preference will be given to local photographers/videographers with cultural and geographical knowledge of the region and the sensitivity to capture both project events and the lived experiences of border communities.

3. Key Tasks

• • Conduct professional photo and video coverage of key stages of the action plan implementation: events, meetings, and on-site activities.

• • Produce high-quality visual content that reflects:

  • • Authentic and emotionally resonant imagery of community life and project dynamics in the region, highlighting the uniqueness and importance of local efforts.

  • • Final delivery of visual content according to technical and content specifications.

  • • Ensure informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and respectful interaction with all participants when capturing visual materials.

4. Geographic Scope

Filming and photography will take place in Andijan and Fergana regions. The list of specific locations and a calendar of planned activities will be provided by the project team. All travel plans will be coordinated jointly.

5. Scope of Work

Photography:

• • Document activities using reportage, portrait, and documentary styles.

• • Provide a minimum of 10 selected and edited photographs per event.

• • Required shots: participant portraits, action shots, candid moments, interactions with community and authorities, atmospheric shots, wide and detail views.

• • All images must be high resolution (minimum 4000 pixels on the long side), in JPEG for edited files and RAW or DNG for unedited files.

• • Submit the full archive of unedited (raw) photos after each shoot.

• • Organize and label all photos by folders with brief descriptions, event titles, dates, locations, and include names, occupations, and background stories of featured individuals.

Videography:

• • Produce a 2–3-minute video per mini-project (4 total).

• • Produce one final compilation video (up to 5 minutes) as a collage summarizing all four mini-projects across both regions.

• • Include subtitles, background music, and logos according to branding guidelines (to be provided).

• • Shoot in horizontal format, minimum Full HD (1080p), in .mp4 format.

• • Deliver final videos with approved background music and project branding.

• • Videos must be organized and labeled by event with appropriate file names.

6. Expected Deliverables

• • Visit Plan: Agreed schedule of visits and locations (by June 30, 2025).

• • Raw Photo and Video Materials: Unedited materials submitted within 5 days after each trip.

• • Final Deliverables: At least 40 edited and captioned photos; 4 short videos (2–3 minutes each); 1 compilation video (up to 5 minutes).

• • Deadline for all final materials: September 30, 2025.

7. Timeline

Fieldwork to be carried out in accordance with the project implementation schedule: mid-June to September 2025.
Final submission of all deliverables: by September 30, 2025.

8. Ethical Guidelines

• • Respect for the privacy and confidentiality of participants, especially youth.

• • Obtain informed consent for all photography and filming.

• • Avoid exploitative imagery and represent participants with dignity and respect.

• • Ensure secure and ethical handling of materials and protection of participants' personal data.

9. Copyright and Usage

• • All photographs and videos produced under this assignment are considered works for hire for Saferworld.

• • Exclusive rights to use, distribute, and publish the content are transferred to the client upon completion.

• • The author (photographer/videographer) retains authorship and may use the materials in their portfolio only with the organization’s approval, and must ensure anonymity if required by participants.

• • No images may be sold or passed on to third parties without written consent from the client.

10. Logistics and Support

• • The project team will assist with logistical coordination and, if necessary, accompaniment. However, the service provider is responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

• • The photographer/videographer must use their own equipment.

11. Candidate Requirements

• • At least 5 years of experience in documentary, humanitarian, or reportage photography and videography.

• • Portfolio with examples of similar projects.

• • Knowledge of visual ethics, particularly when working with CSOs and vulnerable groups.

• • Willingness to work in field settings and engage with CSOs, local communities, and authorities.

• • Prior experience with international projects is an asset.

• • Proficiency in Uzbek, English, and/or Russian, and understanding of the local context is preferred.

12. Fees and Payment

Applicants should submit their proposed fees reflecting the scope of work and their expertise. Please include estimated transportation, accommodation, and meal costs associated with fieldwork in Andijan and Fergana regions. Service providers are responsible for their own taxes and social contributions in accordance with Uzbek law.

Payment terms:

• • 50% upon signing the contract

• • 50% upon final delivery and approval of all deliverables

13. Application Process

Saferworld invites individual service providers and/or companies with the relevant skills and experience to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI should include:

• • A 3–4-page proposal outlining the applicant’s/company’s profile, work plan, timeline, and financial offer (daily rate, travel and related costs). Prices must be quoted in Uzbek sums and include VAT.

• • A portfolio of previous work.

• • Contact details of two referees.

• • Proof of no outstanding tax liabilities. Failure to submit this will result in tax deductions from the total contract amount.

Please send your EOI to: info@proreforms.uz
Subject line: Fergana Valley Project Photography and Videography Services
Deadline for submission: June 23, 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to be conducted the week following the deadline.