I'm taking the Pacific to the UN headquarters in New York City - please support my 4 month internship!

The Opportunity:

I have been awarded a four-month position as an Intern Advisor with the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City, and am travelling to New York in July this year to take up this role. As a young Pacific woman I will be a new voice, a visual reminder, and an active participant in the process of policy positioning for our region. This is an unparalleled opportunity to build personal and professional connections, gain insight on strategies to overcome barriers to progress and exert direct and indirect influence in what is arguably the world’s greatest policy arena. I will:

- Participate in regional and international meetings at the UN headquarters

- Provide input into policy positioning

- Be part of the team to assist with the roll out of New Zealand's seat on the UN Security Council for 2015 / 2016.

The Gap:

This great opportunity comes at a high financial cost. The four months in NYC is expected to cost in excess of NZ$12,000 covering flights, insurance, food, transport and accommodation. As an Intern Advisor, my work will be unpaid, although a monthly contribution towards accommodation is provided by the New Zealand Permanent Mission. To date I have been able to raise NZ$8500 through savings however I need your help to cover the remaining NZ$3500.

About me:

I recently graduated from the University of Waikato with a Masters in Management Studies, with a focus on Sustainability (1st Class Honours). I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to complete half of my studies in California and following this I was lucky to secure a short internship with a global partnership in NYC with an interest in enabling island nations progress towards sustainable goals. I have volunteered with an international Pacific Islands Society over the last 18 months, publishing interviews with influential leaders in the Pacific region on current policy issues.

I am building towards a career in social entrepreneurship and this internship will provide invaluable insight into the barriers and the processes to help overcome these barriers for us here in the Pacific.

I am interested in expanding opportunity; therefore if you think I could in turn assist with promoting your organisation or cause, I am excited to discuss these possibilities.