Project manager / Emerging markets advisor
Full-time · Zeist (Hybrid)
Are you ready to apply your project management and advisory skills to impactful international projects? As an Emerging Markets Advisor (Project Manager) at Larive, you’ll work on multiple projects across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. You’ll enjoy a high degree of freedom, travel abroad, and witness the direct impact of your work on businesses looking to establish themselves in emerging markets.
About the role
At Larive, you’ll never be working on just one project at a time. You’ll manage multiple projects simultaneously across various countries and sectors. We offer diverse project types ranging from purely private initiatives to public-private consortia. These projects include strategic advice, market research, location or supply chain assessments, and (post-investment) project management.
- Private sector projects: You’ll conduct market research (with our network of Larive Group partners in local countries) for companies looking to expand. You’ll identify potential markets, collect data, and make market comparisons. You’ll dig deep into the market dynamics, understanding how the value chain works, the key players, and the associated risks. Based on your analysis, you’ll provide clear, actionable recommendations on which markets to enter and the best approach for success.
- Consortia projects: In this scenario, many parties are interested in emerging markets like Bangladesh or Nigeria but struggle to leap due to high risks and gaps in the value chain (such as local financiers or logistical partners). You’ll facilitate collaboration among multiple companies, governments, and sometimes funds to form strategic partnerships. You’ll bring the right players together and create a joint action plan.
In both types of projects, you’ll oversee the entire process, from planning, coordination, and reporting to financial closing and identifying follow-up opportunities. Your ability to stay organised and provide clear oversight ensures that our clients and partners can successfully build their businesses in emerging markets. You’ll have significant autonomy in how you manage projects, with support from more experienced colleagues as needed. You’ll also travel internationally to project sites as your role evolves. Alongside your project management duties, you’ll play an active role in business development, spotting new opportunities, attending events, and building an (international) network.
“The best part is switching between a variety of projects in places like Kenya, Poland, and Bangladesh. You coordinate with different companies and work internationally with a wide range of people. We’re a small team, so you quickly gain responsibility, but you’re never alone in the process.” Laura Derks, International project manager
Your responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring smooth execution and timely delivery.
- Conduct market research, data collection and market comparisons for private sector clients.
- Facilitate partnerships and collaborations within public-private consortia, ensuring alignment between different stakeholders.
- Provide strategic advice and actionable recommendations based on thorough analysis.
- Oversee financial reporting, project timelines and deliverables, ensuring clients and partners are kept on track.
- Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities, networking and attending relevant industry events.
Your profile
We value diversity and different backgrounds at Larive. We are looking for someone who has a strong academic background and enough experience to manage projects independently. You’ll need at least 3 years of experience in project management, handling multiple projects at the same time.
In addition, you bring:
- The energy to juggle various tasks and thrive in fast-paced environments. You’re comfortable with flexible working hours, managing time zone differences, and handling calls or messages outside regular working hours when needed.
- A proactive attitude: you don’t wait for others to ask. You take the initiative, share updates, and get things done.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. You work with clear plans, complete tasks, and document agreements.
- A collaborative mindset. You’re great at coordinating with others and know when to ask for help or jump in to assist.
- Excellent communication skills, ensuring clients, partners, and colleagues stay informed and motivated. You also spot opportunities for further project development.
What we offer
- A competitive gross monthly salary ranging from €3,500 to €4,300 (full-time), based on experience. We also offer a bonus scheme to reward outstanding results.
- 25 vacation days per year, 8% holiday pay, a pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Full reimbursement for your commute (train travel) to the office. If you travel for work over the weekend, you’ll receive an additional day off.
- A delicious daily lunch prepared by a former Michelin-star chef in the office canteen for a fixed contribution. Plus, we offer good coffee, soft drinks, and fruit.
- Opportunities to travel internationally, depending on your projects. We also organise regular team outings and an annual team weekend (internationally).
About Larive
Larive supports businesses and organisations in their growth within emerging markets across Asia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Based in Zeist, you’ll be working in a close-knit team of around fourteen colleagues. Together with approximately 250 colleagues in 25 partner offices, you’ll be part of a global network.
Our team in Zeist is internationally oriented and adventurous. Many of our colleagues have lived or studied abroad, prefer non-standard vacations, and closely follow global geopolitical developments. We’re a hands-on, proactive team, always willing to jump in wherever necessary and searching for practical, flexible solutions.
The application process
- Submit your CV and cover letter.
- If we believe you’re a good fit, we’ll arrange an orientation call (via Teams).
- You’ll then have an interview with Laura and Davinia. This conversation will focus on who you are, what drives you, and why this role is a good match.
- The second interview will be with Wouter and a colleague. We’ll dive deeper into your experience, discuss specific case studies, and explore how you would approach project management challenges.