Simon Botha is an Associate Legal Officer in the Office of the Rector.
Simon's work spans legal affairs and external relations. He interprets and applies public international law and international institutional law in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United Nations. He supports the Legal Advisor in the review, negotiation and drafting of legal agreements, and contributes to legal analysis and research, including the drafting and reviewing of legal opinions, briefs and reports on matters within the scope of UNU's operational and administrative activities.
Alongside his legal responsibilities, Simon supports the Chief of Staff 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, and facilitates strategic and operational projects across UNU, providing analytical and written inputs. His broader work encompasses political affairs, strategic communications 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.