Zhang Yang (UNDP China, 2026)
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Name: Zhang Yang
Degree: Juris Doctor
University: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Position: Sustainable Procurement Fellow
UN Host Agency: United Nations Development Programme China Office (UNDP China)
Duration: May 2025 – May 2026 (12 months)
Sponsorship: Peace and Development Foundation (PDF)
Supervisor: Ma Zhengzheng
Job Description:
Portfolio Programme Development (20%)
Draft necessary documents concerning portfolio programme development, project design and implementation, such as project proposals, concept notes;
Draft contribution agreement, project presentation for PAC, PAC meeting minutes;
Ensure the participation and involvement of relevant stakeholders in project activities so that the process is inclusive, participatory and transparent.
Provide full support in expanding the sustainable procurement programme in China.
Project Implementation and Management (50%)
Support project management routine work – drafting meeting minutes and progress reports, regular communication with project partners, etc.
Assist in conducting training workshops.
Assist in organizing international conferences including liaison with international and domestic guests and logistics arrangement.
Ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets.
Ensure that UNDP rules and regulations concerning finance, procurement and human resources are adhered to.
Advocacy, Partnerships, and Communications (30%)
Support in projects advocacy, communications/reporting, along with drafting speeches/new releases for various of occasions.
Draft analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
Engage in partnerships building with stakeholders (UN agencies, NGOs, government, private sector).
Engage in mobilization of resources from different partners. This will include the preparation of due diligence, organization of regular donor meetings and field visits.
Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.
By September, when we hosted the CPS event in Shanghai, I had already grown into a much more confident role. I was deeply involved in the preparatory work—helping shape the agenda, liaising with speakers, and coordinating logistics on the ground. But the moment that truly marked my progress came toward the end of my Fellowship, when I was entrusted with moderating the Sustainable Procurement Seminar in Cixi, Ningbo. Standing at the podium that day, I couldn't help but reflect on how far I had come in just a few months—from total novice to someone who could lead a professional seminar with conviction.
That journey taught me something invaluable: no matter how unfamiliar a field may seem, a proactive mindset, genuine curiosity, and sheer persistence can carry you further than you'd ever expect. Starting from zero is not a weakness—it's an opportunity. And I'm grateful I had the courage to embrace it.
Walking the Ground: WaiPula and the Power of Persistence
While the procurement projects sharpened my professional edge, the WaiPula project touched something much deeper.
WaiPula is a small Yi ethnic village nestled in the mountains of Yunnan. I was fortunate enough to be involved in the project during its final year of implementation—and even more fortunate to visit the village in person. Standing there, seeing the paved roads, the bustling farmer cooperatives, and the revived cultural traditions, it was hard to imagine that just a decade ago, this community had been struggling with isolation and poverty. For ten years, the UNDP team had worked alongside the villagers, not with quick fixes, but with patient, sustained efforts across infrastructure, livelihoods, ecological protection, and cultural preservation.
What struck me most were the villagers themselves. When they spoke about how the project had changed their lives—their voices filled with warmth and gratitude—I felt a lump in my throat. One elder said to me, "Without this project, we might never have known there was a world beyond these mountains." In that moment, I understood that development work is never just about reports, indicators, or budgets. It's about people. It's about dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Those memories stay with me. WaiPula reminded me that idealism, when paired with perseverance and grounded action, can indeed move mountains—sometimes literally. The work we do may feel small in the grand scheme of things, but to the people we serve, it can mean everything.
My takeaways
If I had to capture this Fellowship in three words, they would be: Growth. Connection. Purpose.
Growth: because I went from knowing next to nothing about sustainable procurement to contributing meaningfully to national-level initiatives.
Connection: because I built bonds with colleagues, partners, and communities that I will carry with me for years to come.
Purpose: because I now see more clearly than ever that this is the kind of work I want to dedicate myself to.
This experience taught me that project management is not just about timelines and deliverables—it's about people, communication, and shared vision. Sustainable procurement isn't just a technical exercise—it's a commitment to doing business responsibly, with an eye on the planet and future generations. And above all, staying proactive, staying curious, and staying resilient are the qualities that will carry you through any challenge.
My Deepest Thanks
None of this would have been possible without the support I received along the way. My sincerest gratitude goes to the Peaceful Development Foundation (PDF) for making this Fellowship a reality through your generous support. I am equally grateful to my university for their early trust and encouragement. And of course, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the UNDP China team—especially my supervisor and fellow colleagues—whose professionalism, warmth, and camaraderie made every day on the job a joy. To everyone I worked with in Shanghai, Ningbo, Cixi, and WaiPula—thank you for your openness, your passion, and your dedication.
A Final Word to Future Fellows
To those about to step into this journey, here's my honest advice:
Don't be afraid of not knowing. You will feel lost at times—that's completely normal. But treat every unfamiliar task as a chance to learn, and every mistake as a stepping stone. Reach out to your supervisor and teammates—they've been where you are, and they genuinely want to see you succeed. Build relationships, ask questions, and stay humble.
And most importantly, never lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether you're drafting documents in an office or walking through a mountain village, remember that your work matters. Every small effort adds up, and together, we help make the world a little fairer, a little greener, and a little more hopeful.
When you look back on your own Fellowship, I hope you'll feel, as I do now, a deep sense of gratitude—for the people you've met, the things you've learned, and the difference you've helped make.
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