Research Interests
Kaja Borchgrevink's main research focus is on religion, civil society and development.
She is currently engage in a number of research projects related to religion, development and politics, including the project 'Financial Exclusion, Islamic Finance and Housing in the Nordic Countries' (FINEX).
In her doctoral research investigated the relationship between private Islamic charity and poverty reduction practices in the context of Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora in Oslo, Norway.
She has previously completed a number of studies of religious education in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the transnational connections between religious seminaries (madrasas) in the two countries. Earlier research includes studies of the relationship between civil society and peace building in Afghanistan, under and after the Taliban and the role and significance of religious groups and networks in Afghanistan after 2001.
Kaja Borchgrevink has a background from Development Studies and practical development work in South Asia.
Background
Work experience:
2017: Senior Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2006 - 2016 Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2004 – 2005: Programme Grant Officer, Aga Khan Foundation – Afghanistan
2003 – 2004: Programme Officer, Small Grants Programme Unit, UNDP Pakistan
2001– 2003: Programme Officer, Sustainable Livelihoods Unit, UNDP Pakistan
2001: Intern, Orangi Pilot Project Research an Training Institute (OPP-RTI), Pakistan
Education:
2017: PhD Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
2000: MSc Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, UK.
1999: Cand. mag. in Hindi-Urdu language studies, History of Religion, South Asia Studies and International Human Rights, University of Oslo.
Languages spoken:
English (proficient)
Hindi and Urdu (conversational)
Norwegian (native)