ZENG Xinyao (UNDP China, 2025)
- UN PDF
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Name: ZENG Xinyao
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
University: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Position: Communications, Innovation and Partnerships Fellow
UN Host Agency: United Nations Development Programme China Office (UNDP China)
Duration: July 2024 – June 2025 (12 months)
Sponsorship: Peace and Development Foundation (PDF)
Supervisor: ZHAO Yue
Job Description:
Communication: 60%
Provide effective support to the implementation of the Country Office communications strategy and action plan to increase public engagement in advocacy and awareness-raising events/campaigns, with a special focus on SDG-related projects;
Support creative and high-visibility social media campaigns for SDGs and other topics such as women in tech and the future of work;
Collect communications data and conduct basic analysis to support CIP team’s assessment of project impacts;
Provide support to the development of project and communications materials such as the concept notes, press releases, Op-Eds, social media and media pieces, etc.
Provide support in managing UNDP China’s social media platforms and accounts such as WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Kuaishou, etc.
Innovation: 30%
Provide support to the design and implementation of the Country Office’s innovation strategies and provide project management support to innovation initiatives of the office;
Provide admin and logistic support to innovation events such as conferences, innovation camps, seminars, workshops, etc.;
Be aware of the new development trends of tech and innovation externally, and provide support on innovative thinking and ideas collection such as compiling background materials, collecting statistical data and preparing briefing notes, etc;
Be outward-looking and actively contribute to information collection to the development of innovation proposals to the development of innovation proposals.
Other: 10%
Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.
Personal Reflection:
It was July 1, 2024, when I first stepped into the UN compound, embarking on this incredible journey. Beijing is not an unfamiliar place to me—I still vividly remember walking along the Liangma River nearly three years ago, passing by the blue gate for the first time. It was a beautiful autumn day, with golden leaves blanketing the road, making the moment magical and unforgettable. And it truly felt like destiny when I received this offer.
How time flies! Looking back now, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships (CIP) team at UNDP China. The team is inclusive, collaborative, and full of support.
Before sharing more about my work experience, I’d like to introduce the amazing people who lit up this journey. Our team leader, Zhang Wei, is professional, passionate, and always supportive—she always offers key guidance while encouraging us to grow. My supervisor, PuNa, is a truly wonderful mentor. She involved me in core sectors of the work of the team, shaping my rapid growth and learning path with both essential guidance and emotional support, making my life at CIP team was not only enriching but also filled with color and warmth. And our interns and fellows have been not only supportive colleagues but also my close friends. Together, we shared not only intense and inspiring work hours, but also laughter, beautiful scenery, and joyful moments after work. I’m especially grateful for the strong support system we’ve built together, which enabled us to collaborate efficiently and effectively as a team.
And of course, one very important member of our team deserves a special mention: our little hamster "Huahua". I still remember the day PuNa, Joya, and I went to Shilihe Tianjiao Culture City—one of Beijing’s oldest markets known for pets, insects, and plants—to bring Huahua to our office. He now lives in a spacious house near the window. Although we rarely see him during working hours (since his favorite activity is sleeping), Huahua has become our team’s beloved mascot!
When it comes to my daily responsibilities, I mainly provided project assistance within our team. Reflecting on my early days, I realize that many routine tasks were quite challenging at the beginning. For instance, during my first month, I was assigned to support the launch event of a newly signed project, which involved coordinating communications among various partners—a process that included a lot of back-and-forth and required careful attention to tone and strategy. At that time, my supervisor PuNa provided me with countless timely and invaluable guidance, sharing both practical knowledge and past experiences, helping me gain a much clearer perspective and accelerating my learning curve.
After the first few weeks, I gradually took on a broader scope of work, especially in supporting our SDG innovation projects.
Documents drafting: my work mainly focused on three SDG innovation projects, covering topics from MSME empowerment to urban resilience. I became familiar with drafting ProDocs (Project Documents), AWPs (Annual Work Plans), LOAs (Letters of Agreement), PPRs (Project Progress Reports), etc. What once seemed like an endless sea of acronyms became manageable: thanks in large part to the M&E team’s well-organized acronym glossary, which was a lifesaver!
Activities organization and on-site support: from coordinating with partners and participants that I was involved in at the very beginning of my fellowship, to arranging meetings, handling logistics, and providing on-site support, I have been involved in and become familiar with the entire cycle of organizing on-site activities. Over the past two months, each of our three projects delivered a series of events in various formats. I often reflect on my first duty travel—the mix of excitement and nervousness I felt. Now, I have a much clearer understanding of what needs to be done, who to collaborate with or reach out to for assistance, and how to manage tasks efficiently.
Communications-related tasks: in addition to project-related work, I also contributed to the communications efforts, which is also an important pillar in our team’s work. I really enjoy the feeling of being flexible and versatile in the team. In October 2024, our Administrator Achim visited China, and I took photos during his meetings and site visits. It was inspiring and encouraging that I used my photography skills at work, and many of the photos ended up on our official social media channels.
If I had to summarize my fellowship experience in two words, they would be challenge and growth. I came to realize that new tasks and challenges are inevitable. What matters most is to respond to them with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn. At the practical level, my personal approach usually starts by seeking out SOPs or consulting colleagues for past examples. Then I combine the information I gained with my own judgment, and when helpful, I also utilize AI tools. Through this process, I’ve seen growth in how I tackle new challenges, and that kind of progress has been deeply meaningful. This learning-by-doing approach has become a takeaway I truly value, not only at work, but in other areas of life as well.
Last but not least, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to PDF for your generous support throughout every stage of my fellowship. I’m also grateful to CUHK for selecting me in the first round, which enabled me to receive this incredible opportunity. Moreover, the ongoing support through the Global Internship Programme (GIP), travel insurance, and professional networks was instrumental in making this journey smooth and successful.
Before finishing this report, I would also like to share a note with future fellows and interns: you might not always have a smooth landing. New things and challenges are everywhere. But try to embrace them with a positive mindset. Talk with your supervisor, your teammates, and your peers: they’re usually willing to share, and you can always gain something from those conversations: from work strategies to mindset shifts. Remember, you're not alone. Reaching out to others is part of building your support system, and building a better mindset to face challenges.
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