New Zealand Harkness Fellowships are for emerging New Zealand leaders in any field of study or vocation (excluding health care policy and practice) to study or research in the US for a minimum of twelve weeks. One New Zealand Harkness Fellowship worth NZ$30,000 will be offered in 2016 (for travel in 2017), to a person who is currently employed in a public sector* organisation in New Zealand.

CLOSING DATE: 14 OCTOBER 2016

APPLICATION FORM

The New Zealand Harkness Fellowships were established in  2009 by the New Zealand Harkness Fellowships Trust Board to reinforce links between New Zealand and the US and to enable emerging leaders in the public and private sectors to benefit from study and travel in the US. Their purpose is to enable appointed Fellows to gain first-hand knowledge and build contacts in their chosen field of endeavour that will be highly relevant to the NZ context and future NZ/US links. The Trust Board is working in partnership with the Leadership Development Centre, which is acting on behalf of the NZ Government.

The programme has four goals:

·       Reinforce New Zealand-United States links by enabling actual or potential leaders and opinion formers in New Zealand to benefit from new ideas, practices and new contacts in the US;

·       Increase the Fellow’s ability to bring about change and improvements in New Zealand;

·       Help improve the cross-fertilisation of ideas and experience between New Zealand and the United States; and

·       Build a leadership network on both sides of the Pacific, encourage ongoing exchange between New Zealand and the United States and establish enduring relationships offering reciprocal benefits to both countries.

Successful candidates will be based at a US host organisation. The Fellow should utilise their US contacts and the assistance of their host organisation to source appropriate US and New Zealand connections.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

·       be a New Zealand citizen who  is currently residing in New Zealand;

·       be an early to mid-career professional active in any part of the public sector;

·       be a potential leader and opinion-former in your chosen field;

·       have an interest in learning from your experience in the US and  be capable of putting to effect  in NZ,  relevant lessons learned.

Entitlement

·       A fellowship valued at up to NZ$30,000 is offered in 2016 (for an award start date in 2017). New Zealand Harkness Fellowships are intended to contribute towards travel costs (international and domestic), accommodation and per diem expenses. The funds are not intended for the purchase of equipment or any other research costs. Additional costs in excess of NZ$30,000 must be met by the Fellow and/or their New Zealand employer.

·     A basic health benefit plan covering a maximum of US$50,000 per sickness or injury.

Award conditions

·       The period of your award is a minimum of eight weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks with a 2017 award start date as negotiated with the Harkness Fellowships Trust NZ.

·       You must travel on a NZ passport, and US immigration documentation must be completed from within New Zealand;

·       You will be expected to take the opportunity to deliver seminars or speak with various groups as opportunities arise;

·       You may be required to fulfil some Harkness media requirements before your departure for the US, during your exchange and/or on return to the NZ;

·       You must provide Harkness (via Fulbright New Zealand) with copies of any articles or research papers resulting from your Fellowship. A final report must also be completed before you depart from  the US.

Application process and FAQs

When should I apply?

The deadline for applications is 14 October annually*.

Interviews will be held in Wellington on 10 November 2016. Fulbright New Zealand will pay the costs of travel to Wellington only for applicants residing in New Zealand. Applicants outside New Zealand who are unable to attend an interview in person may be disadvantaged;

We will advise you of the outcome of your application shortly after the interviews in November.

* Note that if the application deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline is extended to 5:00pm on the next business day.

How do I apply?

You must complete and submit the application form below by the application deadline. You must also submit all required support documents to us by the application deadline. These include:

• A CV of no more than four pages;
• A scan of the photo page of your passport;
• A letter of invitation from a potential host organisation in the US;
• A short statement about any previous experience in the US;
• A statement from your employer about your leadership experience and potential;
• A letter from your employer confirming their support for your participation in the programme;
• A one-page project statement; and
• References  from three referees (the letter from your employer does not count).

What are the selection criteria?

Applicants will need to:

• Be able to demonstrate that they have the capacity to develop as exceptional leaders of intelligence, empathy and resilience who can play a significant leadership role in New Zealand.
• Have a proposed programme which meets the vision of the Fellowship: with clearly defined learning objectives and a plan to transfer and embed learning on return.
• Be capable of putting whatever lessons they have learned into effective use back in New Zealand;
• Have a commitment to increasing international understanding; and
• Have the ability to be a cultural ambassador for New Zealand.

FAQs

Can I take my family?
Yes, although there is no additional funding available and the Fellow is solely responsible for any visa and insurance processes.

Where can I go?
Fellows are expected to be based at a university, research institute or ‘think tank’ for a significant part of their stay in the US.  This requirement can also include a corporate (private sector) research institution, or a federal or state government department. Applicants are asked to provide a letter of invitation from a potential host organisation at the time of their application.  It is also anticipated that during their time in the US, Fellows will travel outside of their ‘home base’ to other parts of the USA.

How long can I stay?
New Zealand Harkness Fellowships are for study or research in the US for a minimum of eight weeks and a maximum of twelve weeks.

Contact details

For further information, contact our Programmes & Engagement Director, Dr Colin Kennedy – email Colin or phone +64 4  494 1508

APPLY NOW

Please download the application form here

* This includes the State Services, tertiary education institutions, State-Owned Enterprises and Crown companies, agencies that operate as part of the Legislative Branch of Government, and local Government