LIU Xingmu (UNDP China, 2026)

Name: LIU Xingmu

Degree: Master of Arts in Translation

University: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Position: Procurement Fellow

UN Host Agency: United Nations Development Programme China Office (UNDP China)

Duration: April 2025 – April 2026 (12 months)

Sponsorship: Peace and Development Foundation (PDF)

Supervisor: HAN Xu

Job Description:

Procurement (60%)

• Conducted global supplier sourcing and cross-border market research; supported supplier registration and onboarding.

• Supported the preparation of procurement documents (TOR, RFQ, RFP) to ensure clarity and completeness.

• Supported the full competitive bidding cycle, including bid opening coordination, evaluation support, and drafting bid evaluation meeting minutes to maintain an auditable process.

• Managed and updated supplier/consultant rosters and qualified supplier databases.

• Maintained procurement archives, databases, product catalogues, and the ESG procurement data webpage.

Administration (40%)

• Provided executive administrative and liaison support for VIP-related tasks, including errands to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Managed branding items end-to-end, including SDG branding item development, retail operations, and customer service.

• Supported planning and implementation of marketing campaigns for corporate events (UN Family Day, flea market) to boost sales and outreach.

• Oversaw warehouse organization and supported standardized inventory control.

Personal Reflection:

During my one-year fellowship at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Office, seconded by the Foundation, I provided procurement support that contributed to efficient, ethical, and inclusive operations in support of UNDP’s mission in China. By combining international standards with deep local market knowledge, the office secured compliant, cost-effective supplies and services that directly enabled programmatic impact in areas such as innovation, shared UN services, and sustainable development.

My core responsibilities centered on sourcing and engaging suppliers in the Chinese market for specialized domestic products and services, as well as facilitating coordination across UN entities. From day one, I took on meaningful accountability, quickly mastering UN procurement procedures, documentation standards, and common local supplier challenges. UNDP’s structured guidelines and supportive team environment enabled a smooth onboarding, allowing me to rapidly internalize the full sourcing lifecycle—from market research to contract award—and translate complexity into actionable steps.

The fellowship delivered growth in two primary dimensions:

1. Increasing Ownership and Leadership in High-Impact Sourcing

I progressed from supporting routine tasks to independently leading complex procurement initiatives. A key milestone was taking full ownership of the Circular Innovation Lab Equipment and Tools tender (December 2025 – February 2026). I identified 1,224 potential suppliers, conducted approximately 1,500 targeted outreach interactions to sustain engagement and clarify requirements, and qualified 8 competitive suppliers, resulting in a robust, inclusive, and timely process despite tight deadlines.

This experience sharpened my ability to navigate challenges such as UNGM registration issues and misaligned product categorizations through persistent supplier communication and creative problem-solving, ultimately building team trust and confidence in handling high-volume, high-stakes sourcing.

My desk on my first day, Beijing, April 2025

2. Cross-Functional and Multi-Agency Contributions to Shared Services and Sustainability

I actively participated in collaborative efforts that extended procurement’s strategic role. Notably, I supported the on-site renewal meeting for the Cleaning Long-Term Agreement (LTA) involving over 10 UN agencies, reinforcing the value of precise documentation, stakeholder alignment, and consensus-building for efficient shared services.

I also contributed to the Asia-Pacific Electric Vehicle LTA by conducting price benchmarking and supporting research on ESG indicators. This work highlighted a key insight: many leading Chinese suppliers demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance practices, yet often lack visibility in international reporting frameworks—a gap that procurement processes can help address to amplify sustainable impact.

Beyond core sourcing, I leveraged bilingual (English-Chinese) capabilities to drive creative demand-generation and partnership initiatives. At the UNDP Family Day event, I secured sponsorship from Orient Dream, who donated high-quality Jingdezhen porcelain mugs commemorating UNDP’s 60th anniversary, blending China’s premier craftsmanship with messages of environmental protection and sustainability.

UNDP 60th Anniversary Reception

During an internal flea market campaign, I independently enhanced cultural refrigerator magnet sales by introducing a branded wax-stamp personalization for purchases over RMB 100. Informed by direct staff feedback at the booth, the initiative created immediate engagement—long queues formed, photos circulated across agency groups, and revenue increased by 50% in a single day.

Booth & Share Poster

This fellowship transformed my understanding of procurement: from a purely operational function to a strategic enabler of sustainable development in China. Through meticulous execution, cross-stakeholder collaboration, and accountability, procurement directly supports programmatic delivery, fosters inclusion, and highlights cultural and environmental excellence.

In two words, this year was challenge and empowerment. Complex procedures, tight timelines, and diverse stakeholders presented constant demands, yet approaching them with openness, reliance on established processes, and sound judgment drove tangible progress. The competencies gained—in strategic sourcing, multi-agency coordination, ESG integration, and innovative partnership-building—will underpin my future career in supply chain and logistics for development.

I extend sincere thanks to the UNDP China team for the opportunity, guidance, trust, and collaborative spirit that made this experience profoundly meaningful. Your support turned challenges into growth and enabled real contributions.

To future fellows and interns: The beginning may feel intense with new systems and responsibilities but embrace it with curiosity. Actively reach out to supervisors and colleagues—they are eager to share knowledge and encouragement. Those connections often unlock the greatest opportunities.

Thank you for an invaluable year. I carry these experiences forward with gratitude and purpose, ready to continue bridging China and global sustainable development efforts.

Group photo in front of gate