Results-based lending approaches in social protection and labor : World Bank experiences

This note reviews recent World Bank experience with projects using results-based lending in Social Protection and Labor (SP&L) in preparation for stepped-up engagement under the proposed Program-for-Results (P4R). The P4R is expected to be launched in 2012. Given the already strong use of P4R-type approaches in SP&L, the portfolio focus on sectoral reform as shown from the SP&L results readiness review, and the emphasis on SP&L systems in the new SP&L Strategy, this type of lending instrument is likely to be in high demand by SP&L clients. This note is intended as a resource for task teams in SP&L interested in a quick update on results-based lending in the sector and features two case studies: the Bangladesh Employment Generation Program for the Poorest Project and the Romania Social Assistance System Modernization Project.