Research Interests
Kaja Borchgrevink's research focus on religion and development, the politics of aid, and everyday religion among Muslims in Norway - often applying a gender perspective and transnational dimensions.
Kaja is currently leading the HUMA-project, researching Muslim humanitarian actors' approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She has recently completed the project 'Financial Exclusion, Islamic Finance and Housing in the Nordic Countries' (FINEX).
In her doctoral research Kaja investigated the relationship between private Islamic charity and poverty reduction practices in the context of Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora in Oslo, Norway.
Kaja has studied religious education in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the transnational connections between religious seminaries (madrasas) in the two countries. Earlier research also includes studies of the relationship between civil society and peace building in Afghanistan with a focus on religious groups and networks.
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)