ILO/IFC Partnership

Better Work builds on the respective strengths of the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The IFC is the private-sector financing arm of the World Bank Group. The ILO is the specialized labour agency of the United Nations. Better Work combines expertise of the ILO in social dialogue, labour standards and the application of labour standards, with those of the IFC in private-sector development, where it holds investment clients to high standards of performance in labour and working conditions. As international organizations, they bring strong credibility and experience to the programme.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

The ILO has authority in labour issues through its tripartite membership, substantive knowledge of labour standards and long-term technical assistance and engagement with member states. The ILO contributes to Better Work this critical experience in bringing governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations together to seek solutions that work for businesses and people.

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

The IFC brings to Better Work its credibility, investment networks and expertise in private-sector development. The IFC’s contributions include its experience in the development and implementation of social and environmental standards, and its ability to scale up sustainable programmes.

The Better Work Management Group—which reviews, discusses and approves Better Work’s annual strategy, workplan, global programme budget and allocation of activities—comprises two senior decision-makers each from ILO and IFC, respectively.

In addition to undertaking specific Better Work activities, country programmes work closely with existing ILO and IFC initiatives and are typically integrated into the United Nations Development Assistance Framework.