Simon Botha is an Associate Programme Officer in the Office of the Rector.
Simon supports the Chief of Staff and Programme Officer across a range of high-level processes and meetings. He contributes to UNU’s engagement with key external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the diplomatic corps in Tokyo and other UN entities. Internally, he facilitates strategic and operational projects across UNU, providing analytical and written inputs. His work spans political affairs, strategic communications, legal affairs and inter-agency coordination.
Prior to joining UNU, Simon practised law in the private sector with a focus on litigation and commercial arbitration. He later specialized in public international law and contributed to the work of the International Criminal Court. He holds a Master of Laws from Waseda University in Tokyo and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Pretoria, and is admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.