1. Implementing Cash for Work Programs -Rationale -Benefits and risks -Implementing steps -Gender -Forms and tools Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015

2. Cash-for-Work CFW is a short-term intervention used by humanitarian assistance organizations to provide temporary employment in public projects to the most vulnerable segments of population. CFW is usually appropriate if… - A well functioning market for essential goods and services existed prior to the emergency - A shock has resulted in a decline in food sources and income. - Sufficient food supplies and essential goods are available locally to meet immediate needs. - Markets are functioning and accessible. - Cash can be delivered safely and effectively. Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015

3. Benefits and Risks Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015 KEY ADVANTAGE Empowerment of individuals Stimulation of the local economy Rehabilitation of community assets Ease of administration Short-term employment generation Debt reduction Participation KEY DISADVANTAGE Market economy concerns financial mismanagement and corruption Limited target population Creating dependency Security risks

4. Rapid needs assessment If CFW is appropriate 1. Develop overall objectives 2. Set the wages 3. Explain the purpose of the program 4. Select communit ies for CFW projects 5. Recruit and orient project staff 6. Strengthen community- based groups or establish new village committees 7. Collect baseline data for selected services 8. Design and implement community- selected projects 9. Chose a reliable method to distribute cash 10. Set up M&E system 11. Achieve objectives and gradually phase out Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015 Emergency

5. Phasing out and transitioning CFW Food security/Basic needs: CFW activities should cease once normal livelihood activities and markets resume. Improvement of infrastructure or community projects: CFW should phase out after activities are completed. Jumpstarting economic development: when markets have achieved requisite level of self-sufficiency. Stability: Often phased into community rehabilitation programs or simply ended with large infrastructure such as roads/bridges. Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015

6. Gender as a key consideration The ability to earn income can increase the status of women within their household and community. While encouraging female participation in CFW program should be a priority, it is essential to understand the relevant cultural context. Women’s CFW in conservative tradition : women work in exclusive female work crews, socially acceptable tasks (cooking lunches for laborers, babysitting, carrying water, guarding supplies) Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015

7. CWG Guidance on Cash-for-Work in Bangladesh TypeDurationWork ActivityMandatory requirements Optional consideration Emergency employment X days minimum X% of minimum wage Bangladesh Cash Working Group, Jan 2015