Mrs Gill Lever OBE has received the distinguished appointment of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe, taking over from Mr Peter Vowles, who will be moving to a different role within the Diplomatic Service. Mrs Lever is set to commence her new position in September 2026.
Professional Background and Experience
Gill Joanna Lever boasts an extensive career within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and has held several prominent positions throughout her time in service. Her most recent role was as the Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, a position she has held since 2023. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Head of Mission in Juba from 2022 to 2023, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic relations.
From 2018 to 2022, Mrs Lever was the Head of Overseas Health and Welfare at the FCDO, a role that involved overseeing the health and welfare of British nationals abroad. Her experience also includes a significant tenure in Vietnam from 2014 to 2018, where she was the President of the Hanoi International Women’s Club and served as the Programme Manager for the Hue Help Drowning Prevention initiative.
A Diverse Diplomatic Journey
Mrs Lever’s diplomatic journey began in 1989 when she joined the FCO. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of experience across various regions, including her roles as the Deputy Head of the South-East Asia Department from 2009 to 2011, and as an HR Business Partner for Africa, Asia, and Europe from 2006 to 2009. Her early career also saw her serve in Tokyo as a First Secretary in Management and in Mumbai as an Entry Clearance Officer.
In addition to her official roles, Mrs Lever has taken special unpaid leave to accompany her spouse, who is also a Foreign and Commonwealth Office officer, during overseas postings from 2011 to 2013. This diverse experience has equipped her with a unique insight into the complexities of international relations and diplomatic protocols.
Contact and Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, the FCDO Communication Team can be reached at newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk or by telephone at 020 7008 3100. The team is available 24 hours a day to address any questions or requests for further information.
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