TOR: Evidence Documentation and Publications Technical Assistant Consultant

About this role

Background & Rationale The Data Use Partnership (DUP) project, implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), aims to strengthen health information systems (HIS) and promote data-informed decision-making across all levels of the health system. Extensive research, evaluations, and implementation science initiatives focused on health information systems and digital health have been conducted or are currently underway. To synthesize this wealth of evidence, document key learnings, and contribute to the broader scientific community, JSI seeks a qualified Evidence Documentation and Publications Technical Assistant Consultant. Objective The primary objective of this consultancy is to serve as a high-level Technical Assistant responsible for synthesizing research findings, drafting and editing high-quality scientific manuscripts, and coordinating the submission and publication process for a special journal issue. The publication will focus on advancement, innovations, lessons learned, and implementation experiences within health information systems and digital health in Ethiopia, drawing from completed and ongoing research projects. Scope of Work & Key Tasks Technical Support & Collaboration: Consult directly with research teams, academic partners, and project leads to providing dedicated technical writing and editorial guidance throughout the manuscript development process. Evidence Review & Data Verification: Systematically collect and thoroughly review project reports, research documents, and raw datasets. Cross-check study findings against source data to ensure technical accuracy, validity, and consistency. Manuscript Preparation & Editorial Support: Conceptualize, draft, edit, and finalize scientific manuscripts adhering to standard IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structures. Ensure all manuscripts comply with specific target journal author guidelines, formatting rules, style preferences, and citation standards. Journal Submission & Communication Management: Identify reputable, peer-reviewed, indexed global health journals (e.g., Global Health: Science and Practice ) suitable for the special issue. Oversee the end-to-end online submission process and manage all technical correspondence with journal editors and peer reviewers. Peer Review Coordination: Formulate constructive, point-by-point response matrices to address peer reviewer comments and facilitate necessary manuscript revisions in close collaboration with co-authors. Deliverables A special journal issue will be prepared featuring 9 to 10 manuscripts, with 6 manuscripts derived from the completed eCHIS and DHIS2 cost-effectiveness study. The reports of these studies are completed. In addition, 2 to 3 manuscripts will be developed based on ongoing studies including the Master Facility Registry [MFR] operational gain and private health facility HIS implementation studies. Manuscript Development & Publication Timetable Week Phase Focus Area Specific Actions & Deliverables Week 1 Phase 1: Kickoff & Alignment Technical Support & Collaboration Do consultations with research teams, academic partners, and project leads. Confirm target journals, establish writing milestones, and set contributor roles. Weeks 2-4 Phase 2: Data Audit & Synthesis Evidence Review & Data Verification Collect and audit all project reports, research outputs, and raw datasets. Cross-check study findings against source data to verify technical accuracy and consistency. Lock data tables and figures. Weeks 5-9 Phase 3: Drafting and Editorial Manuscript Preparation & Editorial Support Conceptualize, draft, edit, and finalize scientific manuscripts adhering to standard IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structures. Format according to target journal author guidelines, style preferences, and citation standards. Week 10 Phase 4: Final Sign-Off & Submission Journal Submission & Communication Management Obtain formal author approvals and sign-offs. Complete end-to-end online journal portal submission and verify all upload packages. Initiate initial correspondence with the editorial office. Weeks 11-12+ Phase 5: Under Review & Rapid-Response Prep Peer Review Coordination Formulate constructive, point-by-point response matrices to address reviewer comments. Facilitate required manuscript revisions in close collaboration with co-authors. Re-submit revised manuscript and manage final proof approvals.