World Food Programme Ombuds is an Adventurous Spirit

The Professional Women's Association of Rome recently profiled Gabrielle Kluck, the Ombudsman and Mediator for the World Food Programme. From her childhood in the Netherlands, Kluck "was keen on improving the lives and living conditions of those around her." After earning a psychology degree and working in the private sector, she embraced a radical change when she accepted an HR position in the International Atomic Energy Agency. That lead to an international career with humanitarian agencies.

Kluck served as the from the United Nations  Regional Ombudsman and Mediator for the Sudan region, based in Khartoum and Entebbe until three years ago, when she moved to the World Food Programme in Rome.

“Dealing with people from all sorts of cultural backgrounds has taught me the importance of interpersonal skills such as collaboration and respect, and the value of mediation. I also enjoy empowering people, especially women, and helping them find their own desire to improve and grow”, she says. “I have been able to bring the individuals at the centre of attention in so many occasions where laws, rules and regulations forget about them and their needs and rights. And I often even protect the organisation against itself and make it a better and more productive employer, for taking care of and supporting the development of the employees’ talent go hand in hand with excellence and innovation. This is the role of an Organizational Ombudsman and what I love doing.” 

(PWA Newsletter.)

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